Kiosks being set up on the Bali yatra ground. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Nov. 10: Sanitation will be a major challenge for the municipal corporation during the upcoming Bali yatra.

The civic body has decided to rope in private agencies for better management of waste generated during the festival that is starting from November 17. The corporation has already invited bids from various agencies to hand over waste management for weeklong festival.

“The stress is on efficient collection and disposal of waste generated during the fair,” said city health officer P.K. Pradhan. He said the contract would be awarded to one agency for waste management at the Qila Maidan while another will be roped in for the Mahanadi river bed.

Civic officials said the contractual agencies would be asked to maintain all-round sanitation at their respective areas so that the visitors do not face problems.

The civic body had drawn flak for not being able to clear waste after a record 12 lakh people visited bali yatra on a single day last year. The sanitary staff faced problems in clearing the garbage because of the large number of people.

“We hope the corporation learns from experience and ensures that proper sanitation is maintained during Bali yatra. Adequate stress should also be given on systematic collection of waste from the city,” said Akshaya Pradhan, a local resident.

Over 150 sanitary staff will be deployed and 100 dustbins will be places at different locations of the fair ground.