Puri (Odisha), July 12: Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda K Padhee on Saturday reviewed the preparations for the ongoing Rath Yatra arrangements at the Shree Jagannath Temple and Shree Gundicha Temple, stating that all necessary measures related to rituals, sanitation, security, crowd management, drinking water, lighting and other essential services are being closely monitored.

 

 

 

Padhee said the arrangements are being carried out in coordination with the temple administration and the district administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the remaining events of the Rath Yatra.

 

 

 

Appealing to the lakhs of devotees visiting Puri from across the country and abroad, Padhee urged everyone to strictly follow the guidelines and advisories issued by the administration. He requested pilgrims to cooperate with security personnel and volunteers, adhere to designated movement routes, and comply with crowd management measures to ensure their own safety and the smooth conduct of the festival.

 

 

 

"Our endeavour is to ensure that every devotee has a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling experience during the Rath Yatra and returns home with cherished memories of Lord Jagannath's divine festival," Padhee said.

 

 

 

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, in coordination with the Odisha Government and district authorities, continues to oversee extensive arrangements as lakhs of devotees throng the holy city to witness one of the world's largest and most revered chariot festivals.

 

 

 

Earlier on Saturday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri and directed officials to ensure comprehensive security, smooth crowd management and seamless coordination among all departments for the festival.

 

 

 

Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister stressed the need for effective communication, efficient inter-departmental coordination and foolproof arrangements to facilitate devotees expected to attend the world-famous Rath Yatra.

 

 

 

Officials informed the meeting that around 12,000 personnel from the Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), led by 19 senior IPS officers, will be deployed to oversee security and crowd management.

 

 

 

The review also noted that 1,700 bio-toilets, eight temporary hospitals, 473 CCTV cameras, 65 LED display screens and 16 permanent telecom towers have been installed as part of the festival arrangements.

 

 

 

The Chief Minister was further informed that dedicated facilities have been created at the Gundicha Temple for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to ensure easier access during the festival.

 

 

 

CM Majhi directed officials to ensure that all arrangements are executed efficiently so that devotees can participate in the Rath Yatra safely and without inconvenience. (ANI)