Puri, Apr 16: Puri Collector Siddhartha Sekhar Swain instructed concerned departments to speed up works relating to construction of chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra in time and complete the work assigned to them on priority basis. The instructions were issued by the collector at the second preparatory meeting for the world famous ‘Rath Yatra’ held here today.
The collector issued directions regarding collection of wood for chariots, construction of the chariots, pulling of chariots, health and sanitation, drinking water facility, electricity supply, transport system, repairing of road, parking lot, law and order maintenance, organization of cultural programs, organization of public fairs and exhibitions, recruitment of volunteers, etc.
Presiding over the meeting,Swain requested everyone for their cooperation to ensure a smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra.
This year, preparations for both Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly polls and Rath Yatra have to be made simultaneously. Therefore, he advised each department to work together.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Pinak Mishra briefed about various measures to maintain law and order situation. He suggested to expedite the identification of unsafe buildings, review of fire fighting system etc. through joint investigation.
SJTA Administrator (Development) Pradip Kumar Sahu highlighted the past years' management strategies. SJTA Administrator (Niti) Jitendra Kumar Sahoo discussed about the need for chariot wood, details of available wood, collection of other materials.
The members of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) gave various suggestions for the successful organization of the Rath Yatra. Huge crowd is expected as this will be the first Rath Yatra after the inauguration of the ‘Parikrama Prakalpa’.
It is worth mentioning that ‘Rath Yatra’ will be held on July 7, while the Deva Snana Purnima will be will be held on June 22.
