Bhubaneswar: As the date for Puri’s iconic Rath Yatra approaches, the Odisha government has intensified its preparations to ensure the grand festival is conducted peacefully and without any disruptions.
A high-level review meeting was convened on Thursday afternoon at Lok Seva Bhawan under the leadership of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja to assess the readiness of all departments involved in organizing the event.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of seamless coordination among departments and instructed officials to ensure that every aspect of the preparations is handled meticulously. He stressed that there should be no room for error and directed the police and administrative machinery to work in close sync to maintain order and safety throughout the festival.
Senior officials including the Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Dr. Arabind Kumar Padhee, and Secretaries of key state departments were present during the meeting.
Top officials from the police administration also participated in the discussion. Several others, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Satyabrata Sahu, Principal Secretary of the Works Department, Puri Collector, and the Puri SP, joined virtually to present updates from the ground.
The discussions focused on comprehensive strategies to manage the large crowds expected this year.
Installation of CCTV cameras at critical junctions, deployment of adequate police personnel, and setting up an Integrated Command and Control Center for real-time monitoring and coordination were among the core areas reviewed.
The government also evaluated the progress of infrastructure work, including the readiness of the Grand Road, or Bada Danda, where the chariots will roll.
Special attention was given to the construction of the three chariots and the arrangements for their smooth pulling. The administration is also making provisions for dedicated parking facilities for vehicles and has planned special arrangements for VIP guests who are expected to attend the festival.
The Rath Yatra, known globally for its spiritual and cultural significance, draws lakhs of devotees every year.
This year, the Odisha government aims to uphold the sanctity of the festival while ensuring that it unfolds in an environment of discipline, safety, and devotion.
