CM Reviews Rath Yatra Readiness

PURI:Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday reviewed the preparations for the Nabakalebara Rath Yatra, scheduled on July 18, along with top administrative officials and ministers here.

It was revealed at the meeting that 930 health staff including 290 doctors have already joined the Puri Hospital and health centres in the suburbs to take care of health services during the 11-day festivity that begins with Rath Yatra and ends with Niladri Bije. Total 130 first aid centres will be opened in Puri and an equal number of ambulances pressed into service.

Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Gyanendra Sahoo informed the Chief Minister that water testing and disinfection of potable water sources have already been started and 10 food inspectors are on duty to curb food adulteration and sale of stale food during the festival. As many as 200 volunteers will be deployed to serve the patients and 350 stretchers with bearers kept ready during the annual Rath Yatra.

Engineers of Puri electrical division of CESU informed that four power grids have been installed in the town for continuous supply of power and underground electricity cables on Grand Road - venue of the fete - have been laid.

Chief Secretary GC Pati conducted proceedings of the meeting and Collector Aravind Agarwal presented a report on arrangements being made for 30 lakh devotees expected to visit Puri during the fete.

Chief Administrator of the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, presented a report on construction of the three chariots and schedule of the Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Niladri Bije.

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