Bhubaneswar, June 7: With the world-famous Rath Yatra drawing near, the Odisha government has intensified preparations to ensure a safe, clean, and seamless experience for lakhs of devotees expected to visit Puri during the annual festival.
Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee conducted a comprehensive review of Rath Yatra preparedness at the Puri Circuit House on Saturday. The meeting focused on expediting critical civic infrastructure and public service arrangements across the city ahead of the grand event.
During the review, Padhee directed officials to ensure the timely completion of all road repair works within the municipal area, thorough cleaning and maintenance of drains, enhanced sanitation measures, adequate street lighting, and the creation of temporary parking facilities.
She emphasized the importance of uninterrupted drinking water supply and instructed officials to establish 24-hour public toilet facilities to cater to the large influx of pilgrims.
To maintain cleanliness and civic discipline during the festival, strict enforcement measures have been planned. The Additional Chief Secretary directed authorities to impose substantial penalties on individuals, commercial establishments, and builders found dumping garbage or construction materials on public roads and spaces.
A coordinated action plan has been prepared jointly by the Housing & Urban Development Department and associated agencies to ensure effective execution of all preparatory activities. Padhee advised Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida to conduct weekly reviews of ongoing works and closely monitor progress to ensure timely completion and accountability.
Given that this year's Rath Yatra will coincide with the monsoon season, special emphasis was placed on storm-water management and drainage infrastructure along the Grand Road (Badadanda). Puri Municipal Corporation Commissioner Arugula Sneha informed the meeting that all open drains along the festival route would be covered with concrete slabs by June 30 as per the scheduled timeline.
The Commissioner further stated that citywide sanitation operations are currently being undertaken twice daily. Extensive public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to encourage citizen participation in maintaining cleanliness during the festival period.
As part of the city's beautification and traffic management efforts, anti-encroachment drives have been intensified across Puri. Authorities are also undertaking measures to remove stray cattle from public roads and relocate them to designated gaushalas and temporary shelters.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for parking facilities and dedicated rest areas for vehicle drivers. In the interest of public health, safety, and sanitation, the administration decided that permission will only be granted for the distribution of cooked food during Rath Yatra 2026 with a proper waste management plan to be submitted by the Agencies.
Following the review meeting, Usha Padhee, accompanied by District Collector Parida, Municipal Commissioner Arugula Sneha and other senior officials, conducted field inspections of key project sites and reviewed the progress of critical infrastructure works on the ground.
