Konark, Dec 18: The district administration conducted the first coordination meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the Yatri Niwas conference hall to finalize arrangements for the upcoming Magha Saptami and  Chandrabhaga Buda. This year, the two-day event will include free entry to the Sun Temple on January 24 and 25.

The meeting was chaired by District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida and attended by Kakatur MLA Tusharkanti Behera, Chief Development Officer Priya Ranjan Prusti, Additional SP Sachin Patel, Additional District Collector Neelamadhab Bhoi, and other key officials.

Authorities discussed preparations to manage the expected large crowds at Chandrabhaga, including:

• Provision of 60 water stand posts and 2 water tankers
• Installation of 100 temporary toilets
• Water drainage and purification systems
• Traffic management and vehicle parking
• Temporary health camps at Chandrabhaga, Ramchandi, and Konark bus stands
• Lighting, information dissemination, and crowd control measures

Officials emphasized that all arrangements have been coordinated to ensure a smooth and safe experience for devotees

The administration has urged pilgrims to cooperate with officials and make use of the facilities provided during the festival.