Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday held a high-level preparatory meeting ahead of Ganesh Puja and appealed to all puja committees to make the festival completely plastic-free. The meeting, chaired by mayor Sulochana Das, reviewed arrangements for smooth, safe and accident-free celebrations across the city. Officials said 401 Ganesh Puja committees have already obtained permission from the authorities, with the number expected to exceed 420.Special emphasis was laid on traffic management, crowd control, public safety and uninterrupted civic services during the festival. BMC directed TPCODL to inspect electric poles, repair hanging wires and improve street lighting along idol immersion routes. Roads dug up for utility works are to be restored immediately, while potholes and drainage-related issues will be addressed before the festival. Four temporary ponds will be created for idol immersion at designated locations near Kuakhai, Tankapani and Daya river areas.Police, traffic, power utility and civic teams equipped with machinery will remain deployed at immersion sites. Immersion has been scheduled for Sept 16, 18 and 20. The fire services department will inspect pandals for fire safety compliance. In the meantime, sanitation teams will ensure cleanliness around puja venues and collect floral waste separately. Authorities have also asked all departments to remain prepared in view of the ongoing rains.