Holding Rath Yatra Amid COVID Pandemic A Big Challenge: Odisha CM

Bhubaneswar: With the Supreme Court allowing the Odisha government to hold Rath Yatra in Puri, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday said that conducting the annual event amid COVID-19 pandemic will be a big challenge.

“Considering the prevailing situation, we will have to ensure utmost caution from day one of Rath Yatra to Niladri Bije of the deities. I am hopeful that all those participating in the festival will strictly adhere to COVID guidelines,” he said.

After the preparatory meeting on Rath Yatra via video conferencing, the CM said that Odisha will have to show the world how such mega events are held in a disciplined manner with strict adherence to COVID guidelines.

While expressing gratitude to SC and the Centre for its sincere cooperation, Naveen said that Law Minister, Health and Family Welfare Minister, School and Mass Education Minister and the deputy chairman of the State Planning Board would camp at Puri till Niladri Bije.

He said that the administration had made all preparations for the event. “The chief secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) have been sent to Puri for proper monitoring of the entire proceedings,” he added.