High-Level Meeting on Rath Yatra Progress
The state government has initiated detailed preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra in June. A high-level review meeting was held today at Lokaseva Bhavan, chaired by the Principal Secretary, to assess the progress of arrangements for the festival.
Earlier sessions were held on January 13 and February 17 to review current arrangements and plan for the main event. Officials evaluated ongoing preparations and provided necessary guidance to ensure smooth conduct of the festival.
Key Officials Participate in Review
The meeting was attended by senior officials including the Principal Secretary of Home, I and PR Departments, Additional Principal Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhi, DG Police Y.B Khurania, DG Fire Dept Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, and Additional Principal Secretary of Urban Development Usha Padhi.
Representatives from departments such as IT, Finance, Commerce & Transport, and Family Welfare, along with Commissioners and Secretaries, also participated. Puri District Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida and SP Shri Prateek Singh presented updates on ground-level preparations.
Safety and Emergency Measures
For the Rath Yatra, arrangements will be made for eight medical stations along the route to provide immediate assistance. Emergency personnel will have access to all key areas to reduce inconvenience to devotees and the public.
The city’s sanitation and public hygiene measures were also reviewed. A dedicated committee has been formed to manage water supply, electricity, traffic, crowd control, and the safety of chariots. CCTV surveillance and coordination with mobile teams will be strengthened to ensure security during the festival.
Traffic and Public Convenience Planning
Authorities have made arrangements for smooth traffic movement before and during the Rath Yatra. Public amenities, including temporary hospitals and emergency services, will be accessible to residents and pilgrims. Information dissemination through 70 LED TVs across the city will help devotees navigate the city safely during the festival.
Chariot Construction Updates
Officials informed that the chariot construction for the Rath Yatra is progressing well. Preparations for the Ratha Yatra procession on May 27 are also on schedule, including chariot construction, rituals, and related ceremonial arrangements.
The government has emphasized that all departments are working in coordination to ensure that the Rath Yatra proceeds smoothly, safely, and efficiently for devotees and residents of Puri.