Puri stampede: Odisha CM Majhi to discuss with Srimandir servitors and officials today

In the wake of the tragic stampede at Saradhabali during the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities in Puri on the wee hours of Sunday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to visit the holy town on Tuesday. The stampede, which claimed three lives and injured several devotees, has raised serious concerns over crowd management and festival planning.

According to official sources, the Chief Minister will arrive in Puri around 3 PM. During his visit, he is expected to hold discussions with the temple servitors at the Special Circuit House regarding the upcoming rituals and policy measures for the remaining days of the Rath Yatra. 

This meeting is likely to focus on strengthening coordination, improving safety protocols, and ensuring the smooth conduct of the remaining festivities.

While the Hera Panchami ritual will be held at the Puri Srimandir today, several key events of the Rath Yatra are still pending, including Rath Dakhina Moda, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, Aadhara Pana, and Niladri Bije

Besides the Odisha CM will also hold discussions with newly appointed officials including Puri Collector Chanchal Rana, SP Pinak Mishra, senior IPS officer Saumendra Kumar Priyadarshi, who has been given the responsibility of police arrangement, and IAS Officer Arvind Agarwal, who has been given the charge of overall supervision of Rath Yatra in Puri.

With these major rituals expected to draw a massive crowd, the administration may face significant challenges in terms of crowd management, safety arrangements, and coordination among various stakeholders. 

The Chief Minister’s visit comes at a crucial juncture as preparations for these events require meticulous planning to prevent any repeat of the recent mishap and to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the remaining festivities.