Puri, June 22 (UNI) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has emphasized the need to ensure an incident-free Puri Rath Yatra.
While reviewing the Rath Yatra management arrangements at the Town Hall of Puri Municipality on Sunday, the Chief Minister said the administration is fully prepared to manage the event smoothly.
He urged devotees to participate in the Rath Yatra safely and comfortably, and return with a divine and spiritual experience.
Majhi directed the administration to ensure that devotees take part in the festival in an orderly manner, with proper police deployment, traffic control measures, and fire safety systems in place.
In view of the diarrhoeal outbreak reported in several districts, the Chief Minister instructed the Health Department and other concerned departments to maintain strict vigilance until the Suna Vesha ritual of the deities is completed.
He also emphasized that unhygienic food or contaminated water should not be sold anywhere during the festival, and called for the availability of clean drinking water and healthy food at all locations.
The Chief Minister sought the cooperation of the sevayats (temple servitors) to ensure that the rituals of Mahaprabhu (Lord Jagannath) are performed smoothly and on time during the Rath Yatra.
Calling the world-famous Rath Yatra the most glorious symbol of Odisha’s cultural heritage, Majhi said that the sentiments of crores of people are deeply associated with the event.
He advised all stakeholders—including government officials, departmental employees, and private organizations—to coordinate effectively to ensure the successful management of the festival.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan briefed the meeting about the measures taken to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra, while Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling shared details of the Health Department’s preparedness.
Following the review meeting, the Chief Minister visited the Gundicha Temple to inspect the ongoing beautification works.
Director General of Police Y B Khurania said a five-tier security arrangement has been put in place for the Rath Yatra.
This year, AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic locations. Approximately 10,000 police personnel—including Quick Response Teams (QRTs)—along with drone surveillance, have been deployed to ensure the safety of devotees.
He added that around 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras will monitor key areas across the pilgrim town, supported by an Integrated Control Room for real-time crowd and traffic management.
Joint patrolling by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Odisha Police’s Marine Units will be conducted along the coastline to secure the coastal belt. Drones will assist in traffic and crowd control, while anti-drone systems will be deployed to counter aerial threats.
An Anti-Terrorist Squad, special armored vehicles (Rakshak), and HIT teams will also be on standby to address any potential threats, the DGP said.
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