Odisha CM reviews Rath Yatra preparations, stresses security and crowd management
Bhubaneswar, July 11
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday reviewed preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri and directed officials to ensure comprehensive security, smooth crowd management and seamless coordination among all departments for the festival.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister stressed the need for effective communication, efficient inter-departmental coordination and foolproof arrangements to facilitate devotees expected to attend the world-famous Rath Yatra.
Officials informed the meeting that around 12,000 personnel from the Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), led by 19 senior IPS officers, will be deployed to oversee security and crowd management.
The review also noted that 1,700 bio-toilets, eight temporary hospitals, 473 CCTV cameras, 65 LED display screens and 16 permanent telecom towers have been installed as part of the festival arrangements.
The Chief Minister was further informed that dedicated facilities have been created at the Gundicha Temple for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to ensure easier access during the festival.
CM Majhi directed officials to ensure that all arrangements are executed efficiently so that devotees can participate in the Rath Yatra safely and without inconvenience.
Earlier, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the Energy Department has completed all necessary preparations to ensure uninterrupted power supply and public safety during the annual Rath Yatra, with special focus on Puri and other districts where the festival is celebrated.
Speaking to ANI, Singh Deo said the department had conducted a comprehensive review of its preparedness, including coordination with Tata Power.
"The Rath Yatra takes place every year. We have already conducted a departmental review of the Electricity Department's preparations and arrangements for the event. A review with Tata Power has also been carried out," he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said necessary arrangements had been made across the state, as Rath Yatra is celebrated in several districts.
"Rath Yatra is held in several districts across our state, and we have made the necessary arrangements for all of them. We have finalised plans for staff mobilisation and deployment wherever required," he said.
Singh Deo said officials had already inspected the entire city of Puri ahead of the yatra, which begins on July 16.
"Our staff has inspected the entire city of Puri. We have completed all preparations to address issues such as hanging wires and to ensure there are no leakages in underground cables," he said.
Meanwhile, with the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra drawing near, the construction of the three majestic chariots has also entered its final phase in Puri, where around 220 traditional artisans, including carpenters, assistants and painters, are working meticulously to complete the craft ahead of the festival.
Using traditional hand tools, skilled carpenters and artisans are carving intricate wooden panels and decorative motifs that adorn the chariots, preserving Odisha's rich cultural and artistic heritage. Working in coordinated teams, they spend long hours ensuring precision and symmetry in every component before the chariots are handed over for the annual procession.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The focus on senior citizens and specially-abled devotees is a nice touch. Finally some inclusive thinking. Just hope the temporary hospitals are well-staffed with doctors, not just empty beds.
All these preparations are fine, but what about the thousands of devotees who walk from distant villages? No mention of drinking water kiosks along the route. Last year there was a stampede-like situation near the Puri railway station. Hope they've learned from that.
As someone who witnessed the Rath Yatra last year, the crowd management was chaotic. 473 cameras are good, but do they have enough trained operators? And 16 telecom towers seems insufficient for millions of people. Let's hope the coordination between departments actually works on the ground.
The craftsmanship of those traditional artisans is unmatched! 220 workers using hand tools to build those chariots... such a beautiful tradition. I hope the government also provides them proper compensation and insurance. They are the real heroes of this festival. 🎨
Impressive logistical planning but I wonder if the local Puri residents get any inconvenience relief? Shops closed, roads blocked for days. At least the power supply guarantee from Tata Power is reassuring. Let's see if they maintain it during peak crowd hours.
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