Bhubaneswar: The second review meeting for the smooth conduct of the 2026 Puri Rath Yatra was held today at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg. The meeting reviewed the progress made in the first meeting of the Rath Yatra Coordination Committee held on January 13.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department, Hamant Sharma; Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue Department and Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee; and other senior officials.
Puri District Magistrate Dibya Jyoti Parida and Puri SP Prateek Singh presented the Rath Yatra Master Plan-2026, highlighting the need for cooperation from the state administration and various departments.
Key dates for the Rath Yatra include Rath Yatra on July 16, Bahuda Yatra on July 24, Suna Besha on July 25, and Niladri Bije on July 27.
The SJTA Chief Administrator informed that chariot wood collection is underway, and preparations are on track. Discussions focused on crowd control, parking, health services, emergency services, sanitation, and safety measures.
The DGP suggested installing CCTVs and LED TVs to manage crowds and provide information. Plans include temporary parking lots, high mast lights, and coordination with departments for drainage and road repair.
The meeting emphasized prioritizing public safety and security, with the Information and Public Relations Department requested to install LED TVs at 70 places in Bada Danda.
