Puri: The stampede at Rajahmundry during the Godavari ‘pushkaralu’ festival which left 27 people killed, has elevated concerns of crowd management during the mega Nabakalebar Rath Yatra which is likely to witness lakhs of devotees.
According to sources, the state government adequate arrangements to tackle any eventuality and has identified sensitive pockets in Puri which are vulnerable to any accidents. The security officers manning these spots have been put on high alert.
Moreover, with the help of 200 close circuit television (CCTV) crowd monitoring will be done and the crowd will be managed through an integrated control room. If crowding is seen at a particular place immediate steps will be taken to clear the rush. Moreover, the dial-100 service of Police have been extended and it will work in 20 places. The police DG yesterday took stock of the 5-tier security system for Nabakalebar.
On the other hand, the State Law minister reviewed the preparations for conducting all the Rath Yatra rituals in a disciplined and timely manner. The law minister reviewed all the preparations for smooth conduct of ‘Maha Anasara’ rituals, ‘Nabajouban’ rituals and all the rituals from Rath Yatra till Bahuda.