Gujarat CM conducts high-level review of preparations, security arrangements for 149th Rath Yatra
Gandhinagar, July 11
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel provided guidance to ensure the peaceful and safe conduct of 230 Rath Yatras being organised across the State, including six mini Rath Yatras in Ahmedabad city. He reviewed the preparations made by the Police and the Municipal Corporation for the peaceful, safe, and successful conduct of the 149th Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, to be held in Ahmedabad on 16 July, the day of Ashadhi Bij, at a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar.
According to a release issued by the Gujarat CMO, the Chief Minister guided the Police Department to ensure that the nearly 230 Rath Yatras being organised at various places across the State are completed peacefully in a safe and secure environment. He also instructed that devotees should be able to witness the Rath Yatras with enthusiasm and that every possible precaution should be taken to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Chief Minister also instructed the Municipal Commissioner to make strict arrangements to prevent crowds from gathering near dilapidated buildings and structures located along the Rath Yatra route in Ahmedabad for viewing the procession.
Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot made a detailed presentation on the extensive efforts being undertaken round the clock by the city police to ensure the peaceful conduct of the 149th Rath Yatra with a zero-risk approach, complete alertness, and the deployment of more than 31,000 police personnel, the release stated.
During the Rath Yatra, Ahmedabad City Police will monitor the procession through more than 240 rooftop points, 65 drones, and over 2,800 body-worn cameras. In addition, 15 Medical Officers, 100 health personnel, 31 fire vehicles, and 237 fire personnel of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will also remain deployed throughout the event.
The 16-kilometre-long Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath will feature 101 trucks, 30 akhadas, and 18 bhajan mandalis, creating a spiritually vibrant atmosphere. To ensure that the Rath Yatra is conducted peacefully and in an atmosphere of communal harmony, Ahmedabad City Police have organised 69 Peace Committee meetings, 79 Mohalla Committee meetings, and around 178 meetings with religious leaders of various communities before the Rath Yatra.
The Police Commissioner stated that, to strengthen communal harmony, blood donation camps, night cricket and volleyball matches, Lok Dayro, and interactive sessions with Gen Z have also been organised, the release noted.
The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary MK Das, Director General of Police GS Malik, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Vikrant Pandey, Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Sharad Singhal, along with other senior officials.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's commendable that the police are using body-worn cameras and rooftop surveillance. But I hope they also focus on crowd management for the 16-km route. The mention of stopping crowds near dilapidated buildings is a good precaution. Hoping for a smooth yatra!
I'm from Ahmedabad and these arrangements are impressive. The peace committee and Lok Dayro sessions are a good way to involve the youth. But I hope the police also manage traffic diversions properly—last year it was a nightmare for commuters. Still, looking forward to the spiritual vibes! 🎉
Impressive security measures—2,800 body cams and 240 rooftop points sound like military-grade planning. But 230 Rath Yatras across the state? That's a lot. Hope smaller towns also get similar attention. The cultural aspect of 101 trucks and 30 akhadas is fascinating. Best wishes from the US! 🌏
While safety is paramount, I hope the celebrations maintain their traditional fervor. The 149-year history is itself a testimony to unity. Let's not let security overshadow the devotion. But yes, zero-risk approach is the need of the hour. Well done, Gujarat Police! 🛕
Honestly, 31,000 police personnel for one event feels excessive. That's almost a small army. I appreciate the effort, but I hope the cost doesn't come at the expense of other policing needs. Still, better safe than sorry, especially after past incidents. Let's hope for a peaceful yatra.
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