Puri: Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Odisha government for smooth and timely conduct of Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on Tuesday in Puri, where lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad are likely to gather to witness the grand event.
Thousands of devotees have already started thronging the seaside pilgrim town to witness the nine-day long Rath Yatra festival beginning on Tuesday.
Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are ready to give darshan to the public in their chariots and embark upon a journey to Gundicha Temple.
The three majestic chariots, which are almost ready, will be taken to the Singhadwar, Lions Gate, and parked facing East towards Gundicha temple. The chariots will be pulled by lakhs of devotees.
Meanwhile, a large number of devotees visited the temple on Monday on the occasion of Nabajouban darshan after the deities recovered from 14-day long illness.
Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena, who was in Puri to oversee the arrangements, said that power distribution company TPCODL has been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Rath Yatra.
“TPCODL authorities have been directed to give special attention to Puri city. The Energy Department is also closely monitoring the situation. We hope there should be no problem,” said Jena.
TPCODL also clarified that systems are in place to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the festival.
Jena said all arrangements have been made keeping heatwave conditions in view and sufficient drinking water facilities including distribution of water bottles have been made for the devotees.
Water sprinkling will be done by the fire service personnel and ORS will also be given to the devotees, Jena stated.
“Till now, all the rituals are being conducted smoothly and little ahead. We will have another round of discussion with the senior servitors this evening for timely completion of the rituals during Ghosa Yatra,” he added.
Tight security arrangements have been made in and around Puri town for the festival. The pilgrim town has been divided into 14 zones and 29 sectors. About 170 platoons of police force are being deployed to ensure law and order, proper crowd management and traffic regulation.
For the first time, a Coast Guard helicopter will patrol the beach and fast patrol vehicles deployed close by. Interceptor boats will be stationed at Paradip for any contingency, till July 2, said a senior police official.
The Railways will install face recognising cameras on the railway platforms to screen the crowd of suspicious people. A total of 125 special trains will run to Puri during the festival, he said.
A large number of CCTV cameras assisted by drones’ cameras connected to a number of control stations will function during the Rath Yatra.
Under a special mobility plan, an advisory on vehicular movement to Puri has been issued.
Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur said all inter-state tourist buses and local tourist buses will stop and park at Malatipatpur bus stand.
