Puri Rath Yatra: Odisha CM reviews preparation, assures incident-free festival

In a bid to ensure a smooth and safe Rath Yatra this year, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced that all efforts are being made to make the annual festival completely incident-free.

CM Majhi chaired a high-level preparatory review meeting in Puri, where he reviewed the preparedness of various departments ahead of the grand festival.

The Chief Minister was joined by Deputy Chief Ministers Pravati Parida and KV Singh Deo, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena, and Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushnachandra Mahapatra, along with MLAs from Puri district.

The Chief Minister held detailed discussions on transport and mobility, crowd and traffic management, law and order, public health preparedness, sanitation, and coordination with railways for special trains.

"The entire world is eagerly waiting for the divine Rath Yatra. A ministerial-level committee has been formed this year to ensure an incident-free yatra,” the CM said after the review meeting.

“All departments are working in coordination to ensure that the Rath Yatra is conducted in an orderly and safe manner,” he added, expressing confidence over the arrangements.

Puri To Be Under Tight Security Cover

As many as 275 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled CCTV cameras will monitor key areas across the pilgrim town during the annual festival. Other the 5-tier security arrangements, over 10,000 police personnel, including Quick Response Teams (QRTs), will be on the ground, backed by drone surveillance.