Orissa High Court Issues Safety Warning for Cuttack's Bali Yatra Ground
The Orissa High Court has raised significant safety alarms over the organization of private functions at Cuttack's historic Bali Yatra ground. The court cautioned that large gatherings held at the venue without adequate safeguards could result in tragic consequences, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive regulatory framework.
Background of the Bali Yatra Ground
The ground derives its name from the annual week-long maritime trade fair, Bali Yatra, which is jointly organized every November by the Cuttack district administration and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). The venue comprises two main sections: an upper ground spanning approximately 8 acres in Kila Maidan and a lower ground covering over 35 acres of reclaimed riverbed from the Mahanadi River near the Gadgadia Temple.
Court Proceedings and Directives
The safety concerns were formally expressed by the court on February 5 during a hearing addressing the year-round use of the Bali Yatra ground for private events. A bench consisting of Justices K R Mohapatra and V Narasingh underscored the necessity for immediate regulatory measures. The bench directed the district administration to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies and civic bodies to establish and enforce safety protocols.
Referencing a previous order from December 11, 2025, the bench highlighted the critical need for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The order stated, "Keeping in view the large number of people who congregate during such gatherings, it is necessary that the district administration, including police and fire authorities, and the CMC make a concerted effort to put in place an SOP regulating such functions."
Progress on Safety Measures
During the hearing, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cuttack) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, appearing via virtual mode, informed the court that a draft SOP had been submitted to the district administration for approval. Simultaneously, nodal officer and additional district magistrate Kamaljit Das, also appearing virtually, confirmed that steps were being taken to approve the draft SOP in consultation with the CMC and other relevant stakeholders.
Das assured the court that all expressed concerns would be addressed within the SOP. He further committed to appointing a nodal officer as a single point of contact for obtaining all necessary approvals, streamlining the process. The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for March 12 to review the progress of the SOP's approval and implementation.
Interim Safety Directives
In the interim period until the SOP is finalized, the bench issued specific directives to the authorities. They mandated that necessary measures be taken to ensure the safety and security of attendees at all gatherings. These measures must specifically address critical areas including fire safety, traffic management, crowd control, and sanitation. The court emphasized that these interim steps are essential to mitigate risks and prevent potential accidents during events at the ground.
The High Court's intervention highlights the growing scrutiny on public safety at large-scale venues, particularly those hosting private functions without standardized regulations. The directives aim to balance the cultural and economic significance of the Bali Yatra ground with the paramount importance of attendee safety, setting a precedent for similar venues across the region.
