Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan chaired a high-level review meeting today at Lok Seva Bhawan to discuss preparations for the upcoming Jagar Yatra of Lord Lingaraj.
First, the meeting brought together officials from multiple departments, representatives of Nijog, Sevayats, district administration, police, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Fire Services, and other agencies.
Next, Minister Harichandan stressed that the Jagar Yatra, one of the most significant festivals of Lord Lingaraj, requires collective effort. He emphasised strict adherence to rituals, orderly darshan for devotees, and smooth conduct of all ceremonies from the beginning to the Mahadeepa.
He then directed officials to ensure proper arrangements for parking, drinking water, sanitation, fire safety, crowd and traffic management, barricading, lighting, and decoration of the temple and surrounding areas. Moreover, he ordered strict action against fake pass holders and unauthorised persons entering the temple premises.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted the global significance of the Jagar Yatra, noting that devotees from across India and abroad eagerly await the festival. He urged all stakeholders to work in coordination to make the event successful.
Finally, detailed discussions covered temple cleanliness, fragrance arrangements, shade and ventilation for devotees, control room operations, CCTV monitoring, and media coverage for smooth dissemination.
The meeting was attended by Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Law Department Principal Secretary Dr Pabitra Mohan Samal, Devottar Commissioner Lalatendu Jena, Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhol, Khordha Collector Amrit Rituraj, and senior officers from Works, Excise, Information and Public Relations, TPDSCL, WATCO, CRUT, and Capital Hospital.
