Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today chaired a high-level review meeting in Puri to assess and strengthen the security and administrative arrangements for the ongoing Rath Yatra. The meeting, held with senior officials, police, and sevayat (servitor) representatives, aimed at ensuring the remaining rituals of the Chaturdhamurti are conducted smoothly, safely, and in coordination with all stakeholders.
Expressing deep concern over unexpected incidents that occurred during the first two days of the Yatra, the Chief Minister announced that Development Commissioner Smt. Anu Garg has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the events.
CM Majhi emphasized that meticulous preparations are in place for the upcoming key rituals including Hera Panchami, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, Adharapana, and Niladri Bije. He directed the administration to ensure that daily darshan remains uninterrupted and that devotees are not inconvenienced in any way.
The Chief Minister laid out specific instructions to tighten security, crowd management, and fire safety measures. These include:
Real-time crowd estimation systems
Reduction and strict control of cordon passes (only essential, non-transferable)
Enhanced deployment of volunteers and security personnel around the chariots and Badadanda
Inspection of chariot fitness in consultation with Maharana and Bhoi sevaks
Regulation of vehicular movement, especially along the Bhubaneswar–Puri highway
Strict ban on sale of flammable items and roadside cooking near congregation zones
Increased Fire Services surveillance, particularly at beaches and densely crowded spots
He urged servitors and sevaks to support the administration during the remaining rituals, particularly Suna Besha, to ensure that lakhs of devotees are able to witness the Lord’s splendour peacefully.
“The Rath Yatra is not just a festival but a sacred service to Lord Jagannath. We all have a collective duty to ensure the divine procession is conducted with discipline and devotion,” said the Chief Minister, assuring that any grievances of servitors would be duly addressed and his doors remain open for dialogue.
