Bhubaneswar: Police have decided to keep a watch on wedding processions to prevent them from passing through the city's main roads.

Earlier, the police, through a public order, had prohibited marriage processions on five major roads of the city from February 1.

The decision came after the cops received complaints of road congestion by marriage processions on Sunday. The police said more than 250 marriage processions were held on Sunday in various parts of the city.

The cops have prohibited marriage processions on Raj Bhavan Square to KIIT Square, Vani Vihar Square to Sishu Bhavan Square, Rasulgarh Square to Rabi Talkies Square, Kalpana Square to Raj Bhavan Square via AG Square and New Airport Square to Acharya Vihar Square via AG Square. The police stations concerned have also been asked not to allow marriage processions on approach roads.

The residents of Nayapalli and Khandagiri have also demanded that the police impose similar restrictions on marriage processions in their area.

"Marriage processions on the approach road to the Nayapalli flyover lead to severe traffic congestion in the area. Other roads in the area also get congested during the marriage season. We urge the police to streamline the marriage processions," said Arup Moharana.

Deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi said the police stations concerned have been asked to keep a watch on the marriage processions.

"Any violation will attract a minimum penalty of Rs 500 which can be extended up to Rs 1,000," said Bhoi.

In 2017, the police had granted licences to around 5,400 marriage processions in Bhubaneswar. The cops said they would also crack down on musical bands playing music louder than 65 decibels.

The cops had earlier made the parties sign indemnity bonds before granting licences to marriage processions. They said the bond has been made mandatory to maintain peace and to pay compensation in lieu of damage to any public or private property during such procession.