First Coordination Meeting Scheduled for May 8
Preparations for the globally renowned Rath Yatra are gaining momentum in Puri, with the first coordination meeting scheduled for May 8. The meeting will be chaired by RDC Sudhanshu Samal at the Puri Municipal Hall, where key departments will present their action plans and progress reports.
Focus on Incident-Free Festival
The state government has set a clear goal of ensuring an incident-free Rath Yatra this year. Authorities are working on implementing all decisions taken during last year’s committee meetings, with a detailed roadmap already in place. Emphasis is being laid on seamless coordination between the administration and servitors (Sevayats).
Crowd Management with Threshold Limits
To manage the massive influx of devotees, officials have introduced a threshold-based crowd control system. According to surveys, the Grand Road (Bada Danda), which stretches about 2.5 km with a width ranging from 35 to 105 meters, can accommodate approximately 4 to 5 lakh people at a time. However, during the chariot pulling, the crowd often doubles, making crowd regulation a top priority.
Traffic Regulations and Google Maps Integration
Traffic mobility plans have been strengthened, with restricted and no-vehicle zones clearly marked as “Red Zones” on Google Maps. Measures have been taken to prevent unnecessary congestion inside the city, ensuring smooth movement for both pilgrims and emergency services.
Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation Plans
Authorities have prepared a comprehensive emergency evacuation and decongestion strategy. Special focus has been placed on entry and exit routes to avoid bottlenecks during peak hours. Additionally, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for first aid and ambulance services are being finalized to ensure quick response during emergencies.
Enhanced Surveillance and Communication
The entire stretch from Uttara to Bada Danda will be under strict CCTV surveillance to monitor crowd movement and ensure safety. LED display systems will be installed in crowded areas to provide real-time information and guidance to devotees, improving communication between police and the public.
Special Rules for Local Transport
Separate regulations have been introduced for auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws (totos) to streamline local transportation and reduce congestion during the festival period.
Administrative Leadership and Coordination
Senior police official Soumendra Priyadarshi has been assigned overall in-charge responsibility for Rath Yatra management. Meanwhile, Puri Collector Divyajyoti Parida has confirmed that proactive steps are being taken to control crowds and maintain order throughout the city.
Servitors Emphasize Coordination
Servitors have expressed confidence that better coordination between temple authorities and the administration will ensure a smooth and error-free Rath Yatra this year.