Bhubaneswar: To ensure an incident-free Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha government will be deploying automated external defibrillators (AEDs), or ‘shock machines’ to provide urgent first-aid to devotees, who suffer cardiac arrest.
This is the first time that AEDs will be used during the annual sojourn of the Lords of Shree Jagannath Temple slated to begin on June 27 with an aim to offer critical life-saving assistance to devotees. Around 10 such devices have been acquired for the purpose. “AEDs are portable, automatically detect critical heart rhythms, and deliver shocks to restore heart function. They’re easy to use, with voice instructions designed for non-experts,” a Fire Service official told TOI.
The device uses two chest pads to monitor heart activity and delivers shocks only if it detects fibrillation, ensuring safety.
The official added that 50 personnel have been trained in hospitals to operate these devices, marking their first use by an emergency agency in Odisha.
The government had earlier announced Rs 5 lakh insurance cover for devotees against mishaps occurring during Rath Yatra. This insurance will be valid within the Puri municipal area and will cover mishaps like accidents, unnatural deaths, stampedes, and potential terror attacks during the festival. The coverage has also been extended to servitors and SJTA staff.
Over 300 doctors will be posted at several hospitals in Puri to provide health care services. Air-conditioned rooms would be made available for sunstroke victims at primary health centres and other hospitals.
Chariot pulling rehearsals
Meanwhile, a full chariot-pulling rehearsal was conducted at the Police Reserve Ground on Wednesday. “A trial run of the chariot pulling was held today. Multiple cordons and crowd control measures will be in place for each chariot, with special security arrangements. There will also be a robust public announcement system. Two commandant-rank officers and several senior officers will oversee each chariot,” a senior police officer told the media.
Puri Police also conducted a lifeguard briefing on the sea beach to strengthen safety measures, coordination and preparedness to ensure safety of tourists during the festival.
“Preparations for Rath Yatra are almost complete. We are coordinating with all departments and servitor groups for smooth conduct of the festival. They have assured their full support and cooperation. With the blessings of the Mahaprabhu, we wish and pray for the celebration to proceed smoothly,” SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee told the media.
Security arrangements
Nearly 200 platoons of police force will be stationed in Puri, with additional support from eight companies of central paramilitary forces, with security and law and order responsibilities being divided into eight specific sectors – traffic management, inner temple arrangements, inner and outer cordon security, crowd control, coastal security, and other strategic deployments- to ensure smooth conduct of the annual festival.
An integrated command control centre and AI-driven surveillance systems will help police monitor traffic, detect crowd surges, and make quick decisions during emergencies. AI cameras are installed along key routes, including Uttara road in Bhubaneswar and Puri-Konark road. Anti-drone systems, anti-sabotage teams, and dog squads have been deployed to enhance security.
Ban on plastic
On Tuesday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged the public to avoid single-use plastic during the festival. In a video message, he noted that lakhs of devotees from around the world will gather in Puri to participate in the chariot-pulling ceremony. Emphasizing a “Healthy Odisha and Happy Odisha,” Dharmendra highlighted the importance of cleanliness, environmental protection, and safety. He reiterated Prime Minister’s call to ban single-use plastic to support these objectives.
