For a pollution-free puja and safe immersion of idols, the BMC has planned to develop four ponds.
City Engineer Debasundar Mohapatra said four immersion ponds at three sites, i.e., Kuakhai river near Pandra (two) and other two along Daya river near Tankapani Road bridge and near Lingipur are under preparation.
While the two immersion ponds near Pandara are with sizes 8,000 square feet and 3,000 square feet respectively under Engineering Division I of BMC, along Daya river one near Tankapani bridge is of 4,582 square feet and the other near Daya river along Puri NH is of 2,784 square feet respectively under Engineering Division II of BMC. The four immersion ponds will be ready before Dusshera.
Besides, proper signage will be developed to guide the Puja Samitis to identify the immersion ponds.
The sanitation agencies and sanitation workers have been asked to carry out extra cleaning work while puja organisers were advised to use extra dustbins. The organisers were also asked for restricted use of synthetic substance, colour and more use of organic things. Besides, they were told to limit sound near puja pandals to around 60 decibels to minimise noise pollution.
An awareness programme by public announcement would continue for a week, said City Health Officer Dr Ramachandra Rout
The BMC has already started a trial run of a radio jingle and it will be on air at least for a week to continue the awareness drive. Sources said Puja organisers were also asked by BMC to use special chemicals to minimise fire incidents, in case of any mishap.
The Engineering Wing has ensured levelling all potholes near puja pandals across the city. Nearby drains of Puja pandals were covered with concrete slabs. Streetlights near all Puja pandals were either repaired/problems addressed.