Puri: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday reviewed preparations for Rath Yatra of Lords of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and stated that the administration is fully prepared for its smooth conduct.
During the meeting at the Town Hall of Puri Municipality, the CM emphasised on ensuring that Rath Yatra is free of any incidents while focussing on proper crowd management. He directed the administration for adequate deployment of police and traffic personnel, proper fire safety measures, and other arrangements for smooth conduct of the annual sojourn of the Lords. “We have to be extra careful on Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha. The police have to closely monitor the crowd from watch towers and rooftops along the Grand Road to prevent any unpleasant incident,” he said.
The CM further stated that the government is considering deployment of NSG snipers on the rooftops along the Bada Danda. “If necessary, aerial surveillance with help of helicopters will also be conducted for proper crowd management,” he said.
A total of 275 IA-based CCTV cameras will also be strategically placed at entry/exit points, tourist attractions, and busy traffic areas to enhance security and surveillance in the pilgrim town, which will be under a 5-level security cover. The Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Odisha Police Marine Wing will jointly patrol the coastline. Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) will be stationed on ships, supported by drones and anti-drone systems to counter aerial risks. An Anti-Terrorist Squad and a Rakshak vehicle will also be deployed in Puri, with increased police presence, almost 10,000 security personnel, compared to previous years.
In the wake of diarrhoea outbreak in some districts, Majhi asked the Health department to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to check the sale of contaminated food and water during the mega event. He stressed that pure drinking water and hygienic food should be made available at all locations.
The CM also sought the cooperation of servitors to ensure that the rituals of Lord Jagannath are performed smoothly and on time during Rath Yatra. “The world-famous Rath Yatra is the most glorious symbol of our cultural identity. It is deeply connected with the emotions of millions of people. Therefore, its management is not merely an administrative governmental responsibility but a sacred duty,” he said.
All officials, employees, departments, and various non-governmental organisations have been advised to work in coordination for its successful execution.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan outlined the steps taken to ensure the Rath Yatra is conducted smoothly, while Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling provided details on his department preparations, and the DGP Y B Khurania shared information on security arrangements.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled the information booklet prepared by the Puri administration.
The review meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singhdeo and Pravati Parida, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Higher Education, Sports, Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Puri MP Sambit Patra, Rajya Sabha member Subhashish Khuntia, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, senior officials from various departments, district administration officials, servitors, and Mutt heads.
Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee was also present.
After the review meeting, the Chief Minister visited the Gundicha Temple and inspected the ongoing improvement and beautification work there, a CMO release said.