Puri, May 9: The Odisha administration has unveiled an extensive security and civic preparedness plan for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in Puri, scheduled to begin on July 16.
Authorities have planned the deployment of around 220 police platoons, along with specialised teams from the NSG, RAF, ODRAF, and NDRF, to ensure the safety of devotees during the grand festival. To strengthen surveillance, anti-drone systems will be installed to prevent unauthorized drone activity, and nearly 200 CCTV cameras will monitor the Badadanda (Grand Road) and other key areas. An integrated control room staffed by experts will operate 24/7 for crowd management, surveillance, and emergency response.
The preparations were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Central) Sudhansu Mohan Samal. Officials discussed all aspects of the festival, including chariot construction, drinking water supply, electricity, healthcare, sanitation, communication, transportation, law and order, traffic regulation, and deployment of central security forces.
Concerns were raised about inadequate healthcare facilities and power supply, prompting the administration to direct concerned departments to streamline preparedness urgently.
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) informed the meeting that around 400 special trains would operate during the nine-day festival to manage the massive influx of pilgrims. Additionally, more than six temporary ticket booking counters will be set up outside Puri railway station for passenger convenience.
To enhance sanitation and public health, authorities will cover all open drains and intensify mosquito-control measures through spraying operations. Along the Badadanda, 185 “Drink From Tap” water points will be installed, supported by 26 mobile water tankers, and around 1,600 temporary toilets will be set up across the town.
Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida briefed the RDC on ongoing preparations and coordination among various departments. The meeting was attended by Puri MP Sambit Patra, Puri MLA Sunil Mohanty, Central Range IG Satyajit Naik, senior Jagannath temple servitors, and members of the local media.
