PURI: Pilgrims visiting Puri during the Rath Yatra will be allowed to use Sulabh Sauchalayas and public toilets operated by the Puri Municipality free of cost for three days. They will not be charged for using the facilities a day before the Rath Yatra, on the day of the festival and during Bahuda Yatra. This was decided at a special meeting convened by Puri Collector Arabind Agarwal on Monday.
It was decided that use of plastic water pouches would be minimised. Such pouches are usually offered by NGOs and voluntary organisations to pilgrims during the festival. The Collector informed that drinking water will be provided to pilgrims through tankers that would be stationed at strategic points. While officials of the drainage and sewerage wings were asked to complete their ongoing works before the festival, the CDMO was directed to ensure that poor quality of food is not sold to pilgrims during the nine-day festival.
Later in the day, the Collector visited crucial drainage channels in the town that witness artificial flooding after rain. He directed for cleaning six major drains which drain out stormwater. Suggestions of local journalists were also sought for Rath Yatra preparation.