BHUBANESWAR: With memories of last year’s stampede at Gundicha temple, which claimed three lives and left many injured, still fresh, the state government has put in place extensive crowd-management plan for this year’s Rath Yatra in Puri on July 16.
The state government has earmarked multiple evacuation corridors to facilitate the swift movement of devotees in case of any emergency situation, while an integrated command and control centre has been set up to monitor security and crowd-related activities throughout the festival.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday reviewed all arrangements for Rath Yatra and directed officials to ensure it is conducted in a smooth and timely manner without any mishap. Majhi laid optimum stress on proper crowd management throughout the festival. He asked officials to effectively manage the evacuation corridors to tackle crowd surges and thwart possibilities of any stampede during Rath Yatra.
The chief minister emphasised the need for coordination, cooperation and continuous communication among all departments and officials. He said timely execution of rituals, safety of devotees and chariots, proper crowd management and deployment of security and fire safety services should be given top priority. Officials informed the CM that 12,000 police and CAPF personnel will be deployed for security with the Coast Guard and Indian Navy on standby.
To oversee the arrangements, 19 senior IPS officers have been assigned specific responsibilities.
Surveillance will be strengthened through 473 CCTV cameras across the town. Around 65 large LED screens will be installed to disseminate information in Odia, Hindi, and English. A bulk messaging system and 16 permanent plus several temporary mobile towers have also been put in place to ensure uninterrupted communication.
The administration has also made extensive arrangements for public convenience. These include 1,700 bio-toilets with volunteers assigned to maintain cleanliness, high-mast lights on the Grand Road and designated parking areas. Eight temporary hospitals have been set up for emergency healthcare, and help desks will be available at the Gundicha temple for divyang and elderly devotees, officials said.
Majhi was also briefed that over 300 special trains are expected to operate to Puri during the festival. He asked officials to coordinate with railway authorities to manage passenger flow, provide timely information and ensure proper crowd control. Other areas discussed included women’s safety, monitoring of suspicious elements, traffic management and quality checks for food and drinking water.
The chief minister expressed confidence that with experienced and dedicated officers overseeing operations, the Rath Yatra will be conducted smoothly and efficiently. He directed officials to maintain a robust system for realtime information sharing at every level. Senior officers were advised to stay alert and responsive to any developing situation.
