Puri: With just days to go until the eagerly anticipated Annual Rath Jatra, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today chaired a high-level review meeting here to meticulously assess the preparations, assuring all stakeholders of an incident-free and seamless festival.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and spiritual sanctity of the mega event, which draws millions of devotees from across the globe.
The comprehensive review meeting, held at the Puri municipal council hall, saw the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Pravati Parida and KV Singh Deo, along with a host of other ministers including Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena, and Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushnachandra Mahapatra.
Chief Secretary, Manoj Ahuja, ACS Home, Satyabrata Sahu, Development Commissioner, Anu Garg, DGP, Y B Khurania, Fire Services DG, Sudhanshu Sarangi Principal Secretaries and Secretaries local MLAs and MPs were also in attendance.
Chief Administrator, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Dr.Arabinda Kumar Padhee presented details and briefed about the preparations.
Discussions covered a wide array of critical aspects, including:
- Law and Order and Security: A robust five-tier security arrangement will be in place, with over 10,000 police personnel, including Quick Response Teams (QRTs), deployed on the ground. Drone surveillance and 275 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled CCTV cameras will monitor key areas across the pilgrim town. The Coast Guard will also maintain a presence along the beach zones.
- Crowd and Traffic Management: Detailed plans were reviewed for efficient crowd control, traffic regulation, and ensuring disciplined darshan for pilgrims. Special arrangements for parking and transportation are being coordinated, with railways operating additional trains for the festival period.
- Public Health Preparedness: In light of recent health concerns, a strong emphasis was placed on medical support. 69 primary health centers, 64 ambulances, and 265 extra beds have been arranged. A dedicated team of 378 doctors and paramedical staff, including specialist doctors from AIIMS, will be deployed for emergency care. Proactive measures for clean drinking water provision and food safety were also discussed.
- Sanitation: Comprehensive sanitation drives are underway to maintain hygiene across the city throughout the festival.
- Coordination with Railways: Plans for special trains to accommodate the influx of devotees were finalized.
- Deity Rituals and Pahandi Arrangements: Discussions ensured smooth conduct of all traditional rituals associated with the Rath Yatra.
Chief Minister Shri Majhi stated, “The entire world is eagerly waiting for the divine Rath Jatra. A ministerial-level committee has been formed this year to ensure an incident-free Rath Jatraatra. All departments are working in coordination to ensure that the Rath Yatra is conducted in an orderly and safe manner.”
He expressed confidence in the arrangements made, highlighting the government’s focus on upholding Odisha’s global reputation for hosting one of the largest religious processions.
Earlier, a high-level ministerial committee led by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida had also conducted a thorough review of preparations, emphasizing the timely completion of all preparatory work.
The state government has extended invitations to distinguished guests, including the President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states, to participate in the grand celebration on June 27.