Puja panels to repair roads

CUTTACK: The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has asked 155 puja committees to fill holes they dug on roads to install welcome arches, light gates and pandals for Durga Puja once the celebrations are over.
Every year after the puja, the holes leave the roads defaced and create problems for commuters.
Commissioner of CMC Gyan Ranjan Das said there will be no leniency in the corporation's approach towards the puja committees.
"Puja committees deposit a refundable caution money of Rs 10,000 with the CMC. If any of them fails to fill the holes dug by them, CMC will carry out repair work and deduct expenses from the amount," said Das.
Puja committees have been asked to create awareness about ban on polythene. "We have asked them to make pandals no polythene zones," said a senior CMC official.
The CMC has decided to deploy two sweepers near each pandal to ensure cleanliness.
Puja committees have assured necessary cooperation. "We will sincerely obey the CMC guidelines," said secretary of Khannagar puja committee Prafulla Sahoo.