125 platoon of forces to be deployed in Puri during Rath Yatra

Puri: For smooth conduct of Rath Yatra, 125 platoons of police forces would be deployed in the pilgrim town, DGP K B Singh informed after the fourth and final coordination committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Saturday.
“The Puri district administration and police are making all-out efforts to ensure that this year’s Rath Yatra passes off smoothly. A total of 10 SPs, 15 ASPs, 45 DSPs, 85 inspectors, 25 constables and home guards, adequate coastal security forces, SOG jawans and Rapid Action Force personnel would be deployed to thwart any untoward incidents,” he said.
The Chief Minister, who reviewed the preparations, expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and praised the coordinated efforts of the departments concerned. He also directed the officials to lay special emphasis on supply of uninterrupted power and adequate drinking water during the festival.
The meeting also decided to deploy 51 health specialists and open 45 temporary health centres for providing emergency health services to the devotees.
Among others, Panchayati Raj minister Pradeep Maharathy, Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty, Health Minister Pratap Jena and Urban & Housing Development minister Niranjan Pujari were present.
Meanwhile, the Railways has decided to run 186 special trains to Puri from June 25 to July 4. There would be 36 extra booking counters in the pilgrim town and 24 at various stations in the state. These counters will function round-the-clock.