Cuttack: With Cyclone Arnab threatening the Odisha coast, Dhenkanal district collector Ashish Ishwar Patil has directed all 41 Lakshmi Puja committees to remain prepared to dismantle decorative gates and temporary structures in case of strong winds. He also asked them to remove vulnerable flex banners and hoardings by Tuesday.The nine-day Lakshmi Puja celebrations began on Oct 25, drawing over five lakh devotees to pandals across the town. The cyclone threat has now put organisers on alert as they seek to balance festive arrangements with safety concerns.Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil has directed all puja committees to dismantle decorative gates and other temporary structures. “All puja committees have been informed and asked to remain prepared for any eventuality. With rain continuing since Tuesday morning, we are closely monitoring the situation. All puja committees have been directed to dismantle decorative gates and other temporary structures,” said Patil.A deadline of Tuesday evening was given to the committees to remove vulnerable flex banners and hoardings across the town, he added.Adequate Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams and fire services personnel have been deployed at strategic locations to respond to emergencies. Firefighting teams have also been positioned to address potential hazards at crowded festive venues, informed Patil.Ganesh bazaar Puja Committee said it had already acted on the safety concerns, removing flex banners and hoardings and alerting its members to remain vigilant. “We have already taken necessary precautions. Our committee members have been alerted, and all flex banners and hoardings have been removed to minimise risks during strong winds,” said Biswanath Behera, puja committee secretary.“More than 60 members have been engaged in the dismantling process of gates,” added Behera.The administration is also keeping a close watch on the Pallishree Mela, which has 275 stalls. Firefighting teams have been deployed, with organisers expected to ensure that temporary structures and electrical installations do not pose additional risks if weather conditions deteriorate. With the weather remaining uncertain, the administration has urged puja committees to follow safety instructions and act promptly if conditions worsen.