Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Bahuda Yatra of Lord Jagannath and directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements for the safe and smooth conduct of the festival in Puri.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister emphasised strengthening crowd management, public safety and real-time communication systems to effectively manage the large influx of devotees expected during the return car festival.

He appealed to devotees and pilgrims to strictly follow the advisories and guidelines issued by the district administration and police to ensure a safe and orderly celebration.

The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of servitors, government officials and frontline personnel for successfully conducting the rituals and events associated with the Rath Yatra so far. He also thanked them for carrying out their responsibilities with dedication despite heavy rainfall, high humidity and challenging weather conditions.

Officials informed the meeting that the Puri district administration and police are maintaining round-the-clock vigilance and closely monitoring key events, including Pahandi, chariot pulling, the Dakshini Moda (southward turning of the chariots) and Adapa Mandap Darshan, to ensure smooth execution of all rituals.

The meeting placed special emphasis on the scientific monitoring of crowd density. Authorities have been directed to use CCTV surveillance integrated with the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to identify congestion points in real time and deploy personnel immediately to manage any emerging situation.

With Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha and Niladri Bije scheduled over the coming days, the Chief Minister instructed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure seamless coordination for the successful conduct of the remaining rituals.

Expressing grief over the deaths of two devotees who reportedly suffered health-related complications during the Rath Yatra, the Chief Minister announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for their families.

The review meeting was attended by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Director General of Fire Services Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, and other senior officials, who briefed the Chief Minister on the preparedness of their respective departments for Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha.