Stringent action will also be taken against those forcing people to hand over Puja "donations". We are hopeful of having a safe and trouble-free festival this year," said secretary, Cuttack Nagar Shanti Committee, Bhikari Das. In Bhubaneswar, the cops have asked the Puja committees to rope in more volunteers to manage traffic. The cops have also asked Puja committees in the twin cities to take two-day training from fire personnel to act swiftly during emergencies. Adequate police personnel will be deployed at Puja pandals and at traffic junctions to manage traffic," added Bhoi.

Source: The Telegraph September 18, 2016 21:00 UTC