Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday assured that the state administration has taken all necessary measures to ensure an incident-free Rath Yatra in the sacred town of Puri this year, which will begin on June 27.
While addressing a high-level review meeting on security preparations held in Puri, CM Majhi said, “Our first and only aim is to ensure an incident-free Rath Yatra event. As I have been informed by the officials, all the necessary measures needed for an incident-free event have been implemented.”
He also added that one of the biggest prerequisites to making the Rath Yatra incident-free is the deployment of an adequate number of police personnel and administrative staff.
Chief Minister Majhi stated that a lack of manpower must not be a reason for any foreseeable incident.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the Odisha Police will be using artificial intelligence and drone technology during the Rath Yatra, which is very important to take swift action and avoid any untoward incident.
CM Majhi, in his address, also advised the authorities to be more vigilant during Rath Yatra, Suna Besha (Golden Attire), and Bahuda Yatra (Return Car Festival).
He said that the concerned authorities have been advised to take the necessary steps to deploy an adequate number of fire service personnel and traffic personnel.
“It is necessary to maintain strict surveillance of the crowd through binoculars from watchtowers and high-rise buildings along the Bada Danda (grand road) to avoid any unpleasant incident. The government is also considering deploying NSG (National Security Guard) snipers,” CM Majhi added.
He said that efforts will be made to stop the spread of rumours to ensure that stampede-like situations do not occur during the Rath Yatra, which is expected to witness a huge gathering of devotees.
The Chief Minister noted that necessary steps have been taken to deal with any imminent terrorist threat during the car festival, following Operation Sindoor.
Chief Minister Majhi advised the authorities to focus especially on preventing the preparation of food at roadside eateries along the Grand Road to avoid fire mishaps.
He also instructed officials to ensure that hotels on Grand Road are equipped with fire extinguishers.
Sufficient numbers of lifeguards and fishermen will be deployed to avoid any mishaps in the sea during the Rath Yatra, the Chief Minister said.
The Coast Guard has been urged to remain alert and intensify patrolling to prevent any threats via the sea, he added.
He emphasized aerial surveillance using helicopters during the grand Rath Yatra.
CM Majhi said that in view of the favorable weather, the sacred coastal town of Puri may witness a record number of devotees during the Rath Yatra this year.
The Chief Minister advised the concerned authorities to deploy enough mobile hospitals and accident recovery vans on the national highways and other roads connecting to Puri.
Free-flowing corridors will be created on the Grand Road to ensure smooth movement of ambulances and fire service vehicles, CM Majhi said.
In view of the diarrhoea situation in many parts of the state, the Chief Minister advised district administrations to ensure that devotees receive fresh food and clean water.
