Bhubaneswar, Feb. 3: In view of the rising mercury level, the civic authorities have decided to cut short the duration of the fourth edition of Raahgiri, which is scheduled to be held on the coming Sunday, by half-an-hour.

According to the new schedule, the event will be held from 6am to 9.30am, instead of the earlier schedule of 6.30am to 10.30am.

The authorities have also decided to bring in some other changes in the Raahgiri-IV, including shifting of the inaugural stage from the Master Canteen Square bus bay to near Hotel Swosti.

Two more stages will be set up near Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Hotel New Marion for singing and other performances.

The decision was taken with a view to save the participants and the visitors from rising heat and humidity. Many other activities will be shifted to the road adjacent to Hotel Swosti instead of the earlier Ram Mandir side.

However, the total stretch on which the event will be held will remain the same - from Ram Mandir to Master Canteen Square.

"The activities will now be organised on the road adjacent to Swosti Hotel and not as was in practice till the last Sunday because of soaring mercury. The events will be organised on the road along Hotel Swosti in 20 zones as decided by the civic authorities," said an official of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation.

Gaming activities, such as cricket, will be organised in the bylanes of Janpath between Sriya Talkies and Pen Hospital.

Similarly, service lanes will be used for other activities and as seating area for participants.

Additional commissioner of Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Bhabani Shankar Chayani said that the road adjacent to Giridurga Temple would be used for cyclists and roller skaters.

"The service lanes and bylanes on that side would also be included if there is need for any additional space for other activities," said Chayani.

Institutions and organisations that want to take part in Raahgiri this Sunday will have to register themselves online. They can mail their letters for participation to raahgiribbsr@gmail.com by 6pm on February 6 (Saturday) so that they can be registered with the civic body and the event managers of the programme.

Chayani also hinted at steps to curb noise pollution during Raahgiri this Sunday. "Institutions that do not register themselves will be barred from taking part in any activity. The use of microphones and sound systems will also be banned to avoid noise pollution this time," said Chayani.

The decisions were taken at a preparatory meeting at the conference room of the BDA yesterday evening. More than 25 organisations took part in the meeting.