Puri: Preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra are in full swing, with the first coordination meeting held at Puri Town Hall under the chairmanship of Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Central) B. Parameswaran.
The meeting outlined comprehensive plans, including a dedicated special app and website for Rath Yatra and Shree Jagannath Dham, the operation of 365 special trains, and advanced surveillance using CCTV, drone cameras, and AI cameras to ensure safety during the festival.
A significant decision includes providing ₹5 lakh insurance coverage for all devotees in the Puri municipal area during the Rath Yatra, mirroring the insurance provided for 10 individuals during the Chandan Yatra.
The meeting, attended by District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, IG, Superintendent of Railway Police, SP, and other officials, discussed 21 critical aspects such as chariot wood supply, construction, rituals, health, sanitation, drinking water, and electricity.
For the chariots, 76 phasi logs have been procured against a requirement of 72, with 26 ropes, 168 kg of resin, and 300 kg of sandalwood in stock. Of the 865 wood pieces needed, 157 of the 418 required for the Khapuria sawmill and 169 of the 396 for the Ratha Khala have been delivered, as reported by Shri Mandir Ritual Administrator Jitendra Sahu.
Health and sanitation arrangements raised concerns, prompting plans for 140 additional hospital beds, 33 emergency medical centers, and 5 food inspectors. The Bada Danda has been divided into 15 zones, with cleaning of drains and water logging-prone areas set to conclude by May 15. Drinking water supply will be ensured at key locations, including the Shree Mandir and crowded areas.
Electricity supply, a major discussion point, will be managed through three grids and seven sub-grids, with Tata Power tasked to address issues.
Special arrangements include 5 to 7 designated spots along the Bada Danda for differently-abled devotees, a database for the Shree Jagannath Bana Prakalpa, and disciplined crowd and traffic management with adequate police deployment. Special bus services, interceptor cranes, video walls for train information, and ticket vending machines will enhance devotee convenience. Parking for buses will be arranged at Malatipatpur and Talabania, with additional buses supplementing the 130 regular services.
The RDC and District Collector directed departments to meet deadlines, emphasizing seamless coordination. The meeting saw participation from servitors, media, senior citizens, and conscious citizens, reflecting community involvement in the preparations.
