Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri and directed officials to ensure seamless coordination for the smooth conduct of the world-famous festival.
Emphasising the importance of timely rituals, robust security arrangements and effective crowd management, the Chief Minister instructed all departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination to ensure an incident-free Rath Yatra.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Majhi stressed the need for uninterrupted communication among officials and agencies involved in the festival to facilitate quick decision-making and efficient management of devotees.
The Chief Minister directed authorities to implement foolproof measures for crowd control, ensure the safety of women devotees, maintain food safety standards and strengthen emergency response mechanisms during the annual mega event.
Massive Security Deployment
As part of the security arrangements, around 12,000 police personnel, including personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), will be deployed across Puri during the festival. Security operations will be supervised by 19 senior IPS officers.
The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will also conduct coastal surveillance and sea patrols to strengthen security during the event.
Extensive Surveillance and Public Information System
To enhance monitoring and crowd management, authorities will install 473 CCTV cameras at strategic locations, including the Grand Road and other key areas of the Holy City.
Additionally, at least 65 LED display screens will be set up across Puri to provide real-time information and guidance to devotees throughout the festival.
Healthcare and Emergency Preparedness
The state government has also focused on emergency preparedness and public convenience. Officials have been directed to ensure quick evacuation arrangements in case of any untoward incidents.
For the convenience of pilgrims, around 1,700 bio-toilets will be installed across the city. Furthermore, eight temporary hospitals will be established to provide emergency medical services and healthcare support during the Rath Yatra.
The review meeting comes as the state government intensifies preparations for the annual festival, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad to witness the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
