"We have completed all preparations": Odisha Dy CM on Energy Dept's preparedness for annual Rath Yatra
Bhubaneswar, July 5
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Sunday 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
I appreciate the coordination with Tata Power, but let's be honest—every year there are complaints about power cuts during the festival. Let's wait and see if they really deliver this time. The artisans working on the chariots deserve all the credit, they're the real heroes preserving our culture. 🛕
As someone who visited Puri during Rath Yatra last year, the energy and devotion are incredible! It's good that officials inspected the city for hanging wires—safety should always come first. Hope they also manage traffic better this time.
It's reassuring to hear that preparations are complete, but I hope they've also considered the crowds and how to manage emergencies. The underground cable leakages are a real concern—we don't want any electrical mishaps during the procession. Let's trust the system and enjoy the festival! Jai Jagannath! 🙏
The dedication of those 220 artisans is truly inspiring—using traditional hand tools to build those chariots! This is the soul of our culture. Hope the power supply is reliable, but let's not forget the real magic is in the devotion of millions, not just the electricity grid. 😊
I'm glad to see the Odisha government taking this seriously. Rath Yatra is a massive event, and proper planning is essential. I just hope they've also arranged enough water stations and first aid for the heat—it gets really intense in July.
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