Puri Rath Yatra Will Be Organised In A Smooth Manner Sans Devotees, Says Chief Secy

Puri: Following the go-ahead from the Supreme Court, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy on Monday said that Rath Yatra will be conducted smoothly on Tuesday without devotees and with strict adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Tripathy reached Puri accompanied by DGP Abhay and law and higher education ministers on the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take stock of the situation.

“Preparation of Rath Yatra had begun long back. We were always ready to hold the annual event. We got to know that SC has allowed the state government and temple administration to hold Rath Yatra in Puri. We are confident that the festival will be organised in a smooth manner without devotees,” he asserted.

The chief secretary expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. “The administration, RDC, DIG, SP and SJTA are fully prepared to hold the event,” he said.

Within the next few minutes, the collector will inform about the restrictions to be followed during the festival for the benefit of the people, he said.

Tripathy said the CM will chair a preparatory meeting on Rath Yatra shortly.