In view of stampede-like situations in the previous years at the Adivasi Padia during the annual Adivasi Melas at Unit-1 in the State capital, the fair will be held at the Janata Maidan here from next year.
As per the suggestion received from Commissionerate police, the decision has been made to hold the fair at the Janata Maidan, according to the SC, ST Development Department.
However, with shifting of tribal fair to another venue, the Adivasi Padia will lose its identity.
Keeping heavy crowd and probable untoward situations in mind during the 15-day-long fair, the Commissionerate police in their report recommended shifting the venue to the Janata Maidan, said the SC, ST Development Department.
However, the Commissionerate police denied this. “We have not given any report recommending shifting of the tribal fair venue. Massive police arrangement is made in view of crowd at the venue during the fair. The traffic arrangement is also made accordingly. We have no issue if the fair continues to be held at the Adivasi Padia,” said Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi.