Bhubaneswar/Puri: Ahead of the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath scheduled for July 16, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday chaired a key coordination meeting with servitors and administrative officials in Odisha capital to ensure all arrangements for the festival are executed in an orderly and seamless manner.
Speaking to the media, the minister highlighted the importance of close synergy between the servitors (sebayats) of Shree Jagannath Temple and the administration. “Discussions were held today in the meeting to maintain coordination between servitors and the administration so that all events from the ceremonial bath (Snana Yatra) to the final return of the deities to the sanctum sanctorum (Niladri Bije) are conducted in a disciplined and smooth manner,” he said.
The Minister stressed that every ritual associated with the Lords holds deep emotional significance for Odias and devotees worldwide, making coordinated efforts essential for their successful conduct. “Steps are being taken in accordance with the suggestions of the Daitapati Nijog,” he added.
During the meeting, several key aspects including timely Pahandi processions, chariot pulling (Rath Tana), Adapa Mandap Bijay, regulated public darshan, robust security arrangements, and facilities for devotees were discussed, besides advance dissemination of the ritual schedule, effective crowd management and strategic barricading where necessary.
Harichandan dismissed reports of any disputes among the sevayats. “There may have been differences of opinion, but the Daitapati Nijog is a highly disciplined body. The sevayats strictly adhere to every decision of the Nijog and carry out their duties accordingly. Their unity and cohesion are clearly visible year after year during the Rath Yatra, and they cannot be blamed for any disruption during the festival,” the minister asserted.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee informed about the readiness of materials for the chariots, including chariot wood, ropes, cloth coverings, fragrant resins (jhuna), sandalwood, and other essential items required for the rituals.
This meeting was part of broader preparations by the state government and police to make the world-famous chariot festival incident-free, especially after last year’s tragic stampede near Gundicha Temple that claimed three lives.
Enhanced Medical and Emergency Preparedness
Puri police have developed a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to handle medical emergencies during the festival, which often sees devotees fainting due to intense summer heat, humidity, and massive crowds along the Bada Danda (Grand Road).
Key measures include:
>> Setting up eight temporary hospitals.
>> Establishing around 35 first-aid centres.
>> Creating dedicated evacuation points across the town for swift rescue in case of stampede-like situations or other untoward incidents.
Security and Crowd Management Focus
Odisha DGP Y B Khurania chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday and issued strict directives for extensive security arrangements. ADG Saumyendra Priyadarsi has been appointed as the overall in-charge of security during the festival.
Major decisions include:
>> Deploying a special clearance party ahead of the chariots of the sibling deities (Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra) for smooth movement.
>> Mobilising crack teams in crowded areas to maintain public order.
>> Installing at least 65 LED screens across the city for real-time updates on crowd density near the temple and other key areas.
>> Intensified drives against habitual offenders and anti-social elements, including notorious criminals from other states.
>> Displaying photos of potential mischief-mongers on LED screens at railway stations and bus stands.
>> Setting up “rogues’ galleries” at key police stations.
>> Additional CCTV cameras and enhanced patrolling around Jagannath Temple and Puri beach.
There are plans to shift food stalls and NGO distribution points to less congested areas, restrict cultural performances and unauthorised vehicles near the chariots, and allow only medical, fire, and evacuation teams in front of the chariots. New parking facilities are being created to ease traffic congestion.
Emphasising devotee safety amid expectations of lakhs of pilgrims, the DGP stressed effective crowd management, emergency handling, and inter-departmental coordination as top priorities.
