Odisha's CM emphasizes the need for cooperation, coordination, and communication among officers to ensure a successful Rath Yatra.

The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings in Puri is fast approaching, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is not taking any chances. In a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, he emphasized the importance of cooperation, coordination, and constant communication among all officers to ensure a hassle-free and flawless event on July 16. With lakhs of devotees expected to attend from all over the country and abroad, it is crucial to have everything in order.

The meeting was attended by several prominent figures, including Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, DGP YB Khurania, and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee. The main topic of discussion was the management of the Rath Yatra. The Chief Minister stressed the need for cooperation between officials and servitors, coordination among different departments, and effective communication with the public.

He reminded everyone of the unfortunate incidents that occurred during last year's event, such as the delay in chariot pulling and a stampede that resulted in the loss of lives. He urged the authorities to be punctual, ensure the safety of chariots and devotees, control the crowd, and have proper fire services in place. He also highlighted the importance of having competent and experienced officers to successfully manage the event.

During the meeting, special attention was given to cordon management, the safety of women, surveillance of suspects and drug addicts, traffic arrangements, quality control of food and water, emergency evacuation plans, and weather considerations. The Chief Minister also suggested making the entire system foolproof to avoid any mishaps. The DGP informed the meeting that a total of 12,000 police and Central Armed Police Force personnel would be deployed for security arrangements.

The Coast Guard and Indian Navy are also on high alert to ensure the safety of all attendees. Additionally, 19 senior IPS officers have been assigned to supervise the security operations during the Rath Yatra. To provide important information to devotees and pilgrims, 473 CCTV cameras and 65 large LED screens have been installed, and information will be available in Odia, Hindi, and English.

To ensure uninterrupted communication, 16 permanent and several temporary transmission towers have been set up for the mobile network. Bulk messaging services have also been arranged to keep everyone informed. In consideration of elderly and differently-abled devotees, a help desk will be available at Sri Gundicha Temple for easy access to darshan.

Multiple evacuation corridors have been designated to manage the crowd, and an integrated command and control center will oversee all security operations. To ensure the smooth functioning of the event, one senior officer has been assigned for each technical aspect. Special arrangements have been made this year, including 1,700 bio-toilets and dedicated volunteers to clean every five toilets.

Eight temporary hospitals have also been set up to provide immediate healthcare services. With an expected increase in the number of attendees, more than 300 trains will be running to Puri during the Rath Yatra. SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee and Additional Director General of Police Soumendra Priyadarshi presented a detailed report of all the arrangements in the meeting.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister has taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and safe Rath Yatra for everyone involved. With the cooperation and coordination of all officers and proper communication with the public, this year's event is expected to be a grand success. Let us all come together to celebrate the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings in a peaceful and organized manner.