Cuttack, Oct. 23: The district administration has approved a decision to increase the rent on the Bali Yatra ground by Rs 2 per sqft per kiosk to generate additional revenue during this year's fair, which begins on November 14.

The district administration hopes that the increased rent will generate additional revenue of Rs 3-4 lakh as the number of shops for the weeklong fair is expected to increase this year. Official sources said the administration had collected nearly Rs 38.4 lakh from the sale of plots last year. This year, it has set a target of Rs 40.5 lakh. The amount is likely to increase further as it was yet to finish complete demarcation of the land.

The Bali yatra fair is held on 37 acres, including over 30 acres on the embankment of the Mahanadi river.

Besides, the administration has also targeted Rs 2 lakh in revenue from the auction of a bicycle stand after identifying an additional patch of land apart from the eight parking lots. The revenue from the auction of eight parking lots stood at nearly Rs 15.4 lakh, while the collection is expected to hit Rs 17 lakh this year.

The anticipated income - from ground rent, auction of the bicycle stand and daily collection - is expected to be around Rs 67.9 lakh against Rs 66.3 lakh last year.

The administration is also contemplating the re-introduction of a special silver filigree pavilion at the fair. District collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra said they had already invited proposals to set up a silver filigree hub at this year's fair.

A special kiosk showcasing Cuttack's silver filigree work had come up for the first time in 2011. The pavilion was subsequently not allowed following controversy over electricity charges and other administrative expenses with the administration from 2012.

Apart from that, there would also be separate stalls for transgenders as part of a strategy to give them adequate scope to showcase their talents.

"We have made a number of proposals to increase the overall revenue, at the same time providing adequate space to transgenders and other deprived sections to showcase their talents," said Mishra.

The administration will also display a WhatsApp number at various places in the fair, where visitors can report their grievances, including harassment, excess parking fee collection or sanitation issues. Senior officials of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation district administration, police and special squads will have access to the number, allowing them to take prompt action.