Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and commissionerate police will conduct joint inspections of Durga Puja pandals across the city to ensure public safety in view of forecast of rain and gusty winds during the festive period.The civic body has directed all zonal deputy commissioners to undertake immediate precautionary measures following weather warnings indicating possibility of adverse conditions. Decorative lighting on road medians will not be permitted, while temporary structures erected for the festival will be subjected to thorough safety checks.In a communication to zonal deputy commissioners, BMC stressed the need for urgent preventive action. “In view of the impending cyclonic storm and severe weather forecast issued by the IMD, immediate preventative and precautionary measures must be taken across all zones under the BMC,” the letter stated.BMC additional commissioner Kailash Chandra Dash said strong wind and heavy rainfall during the ongoing festive season could pose serious risks to public safety, particularly from unstable temporary structures, overhead electrical wiring and large hoardings.Under safety protocol, officials have been instructed to inspect all puja pandals, entry gates and decorative installations to verify their structural stability and wind resistance. Puja committees have been asked to reinforce weak structures and remove vulnerable overhead gates that could collapse during inclement weather.BMC officials said a comprehensive electrical safety audit will also be carried out jointly with electrical safety teams. Authorities will examine temporary power connections, wiring arrangements, generator placements and earthing systems at pandals. Any loose, exposed or unsafe electrical installations will be repaired or disconnected immediately to prevent accidents, short circuits and fire hazards.BMC has further ordered a citywide inspection of commercial hoardings, flex banners, billboards and temporary display frames. Damaged, oversized, weak or unauthorised hoardings will be removed to minimise risk of collapse during high winds.To enhance preparedness, emergency communication channels will be set up with puja committees, field supervisers and response teams for quick action in case of weather-related emergencies.Meanwhile, BMC has launched a tree-trimming drive using a 26-metre hydraulic ladder to remove vulnerable branches and reduce risks to pedestrians and traffic. All inspections and safety rectification measures have been directed to be completed before Oct 12, with zonal compliance reports to be submitted to the civic body the same evening.