Cuttack, Nov. 4: The stage is set for the colorful Bali yatra that draws lakhs of people from various parts of the state and country to Cuttack city.

The district administration aims to collect a revenue of Rs 60 lakh from this year’s historic fair, which will start from November 10.

This was said by the district administration officials at a media conference regarding preparations for the upcoming Bali yatra that have almost reached the final stages.

“Adequate arrangements have been made by the district administration, district council of culture and Cuttack Municipal Corporation for Bali yatra starting from November 10,” said district collector Girish S.N.

This time, the Bali yatra will be held on 37.103 acres of land, including at Mahanadi embankment. About three to five lakh people throng the annual fair every year.

Official sources said that nearly 1,300 kiosks and pavillions would come up at the fair. Ethnic and rural crafts from Orissa and other states across the country would be the main attractions at the Gandhi Shilpa Bazar organised by Orissa Development and Marketing Society (Ormas).

Bookings for the kiosks have almost been completed by most of the traders. The entire process of allotment of plots and kiosks will be completed in a couple of days.

The district administration has also aimed to collect a revenue of Rs 60 lakh against the total collection of Rs 58 lakh from last year’s Bali yatra.

Adequate measures would also be undertaken by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation to make the Bali yatra “eco-friendly” by strictly prohibiting the use of polythene during the six-day festival.

“We will initiate adequate measures to ban polythene use during Bali yatra. Around five kiosks selling paper and jute bags and other alternatives to polythene will be set up. Strict action will be taken against the traders violating the norms,” said an official of the municipal corporation.