Bhubaneswar, July 22: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday directed scientific monitoring of devotees and swift response to any emerging situation during the upcoming Bahuda Yatra of Lord Jagannath on July 24.

Chairing a review meeting on the preparations for the Bahuda Yatra (Return car festival), Majhi directed officials ensure that live inputs received through CCTV cameras are instantly transmitted to the Integrated Command and Control System (ICCS), enabling authorities to respond promptly to any developing situation.

While instructing officials to accord top priority to crowd regulation and real-time dissemination of information, the Chief Minister also appealed to the devotees and pilgrims to strictly follow the guidelines and SOP issued by the district administration and police to ensure a safe and smooth festival.

As the Suna Besha and Niladri Bije rituals will be held after the Bahuda Yatra, the Chief Minister directed the administration to make comprehensive arrangements so that all remaining rituals are conducted peacefully, smoothly and without disruption.

The meeting noted that all rituals associated with the Rath Yatra have so far been conducted successfully. 

Despite continuous rainfall, adverse weather conditions, heat and humidity, officials, employees and volunteers remained committed to serving lakhs of devotees without interruption.

The Chief Minister lauded the servitors for their selfless service during the festival. He also appreciated officials and Government employees for working in close coordination and with a strong team spirit to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual festival.

The Chief Minister also expressed deep grief over the death of two devotees due to health-related complications during the Rath Yatra. He recalled that financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relef Fund has been announced for the next of the kin of the deceased.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Advisor to CM Prakash Mishra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Home Secretary Hemanta Sharma, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, Development Commissioner DK Singh and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee attended the meeting.