No shortage of ropes for Puri Rath Yatra: SJTA

Puri: There is absolutely no dearth of ropes that will be used for pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra during the upcoming Rath Yatra festival scheduled next month.

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) administrator Niti (rituals) on Monday informed that at present 12 out of 14 ropes required during the entire festival are ready.

Due to the ongoing strike by the employees of Odisha Coir Board there has been a delay in preparation of two ropes. The employees are on a strike demanding more perks and pay.

However, there should not be any concern as the administration is having 20 additional ropes in stock which can be used in case of emergency, informed SJTA Administrator Niti (Rituals) after the third Rath Yatra Coordination meeting held today.

A delegation led by Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty will also hold discussions with the striking employees of Odisha Coir Board tomorrow.

"We will discuss with the employees and are hopeful that the issue will be resolved," said Mohanty.

Meanwhile, concerns were also expressed over poor sanitation and lack of drain desilting works by local civic body ahead of monsoon season during the Rath Yatra coordination meeting.

Urban Development Minister Niranjan Pujari assured taking urgent measures and monitoring the progress personally.

"A senior official will be sent to Puri to supervise sanitation and other necessary arrangements soon," said Niranjan Pujari.