Written approval must for holding marathons and walkathons on city roads: Bhubaneswar police

Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate police issued a stern advisory on Wednesday cautioning organisers of marathons and walkathons against conducting such events on major stretches of the city without approval. The notice emphasised that legal action will be initiated against violators who fail to obtain permission from the competent authority before holding events on roads.Police officers highlighted that approval is crucial to ensure adequate deployment of police personnel for traffic management and public safety. The advisory noted that unauthorised events repeatedly led to traffic congestion and posed risks to commuters, particularly along the busy corridor from Kalinga Stadium to Nandankanan Square.Police said that many organisers mistakenly assume that submitting an application automatically grants permission for events. Clarifying this misconception, the advisory stated, “Filing an application does not confer any right to conduct a marathon or walkathon. Written approval from the designated authority is mandatory before any arrangements are made.”Failure to comply, police warned, could result in financial losses for organisers as well as legal consequences.“In the interest of public safety, smooth traffic regulation, and free flow of vehicular movement, event organisers are advised to avoid the stretch from Behera Sahi Square to Nandankanan Square. Alternative routes may be planned to minimise disruption,” the order read. Police further directed that permission must be obtained from the licencing cell at the DCP office and traffic police. Non-compliance with these instructions will attract legal action under the law.The advisory comes amid a growing trend of fitness and awareness events being held in the city which, while popular, often spill onto busy roads without adequate planning. Police authorities stressed that coordination with police is essential to balance public enthusiasm for such activities with the need to maintain order and safety on high-traffic routes in the city.“We want to streamline event management and prevent disruptions to daily life. Organisers should adhere strictly to the guidelines to avoid penalties and ensure that marathons and walkathons are conducted in a safe and regulated manner,” a senior police officer said.