With the grand Puri Rath Yatra just a month away, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of all preparatory works for the iconic festival.
The meeting, held at the Lok Seva Bhawan conference hall, focused on ensuring a seamless and well-organized Rath Yatra scheduled for July 16. Senior officials from multiple departments presented detailed updates on infrastructure, crowd management, health, sanitation, and security arrangements.
Among those present were Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma, Temple Administrator and Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, DGP Y.B. Khurania, Director General of Fire Services Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Puri SP Prateek Singh, senior police officers, and secretaries of concerned departments.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for timely completion of all works, stressing that regular reviews since the previous meeting in April have helped keep momentum high. The Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple informed the gathering that all timber required for the construction of the three majestic chariots had arrived on schedule.
Key Highlights of the Review:
• Roads & Infrastructure: Significant progress was reported on the widening and beautification of roads connecting to the Grand Road (Bada Danda), coastal stretches, and access routes to Gundicha Temple. High-mast lighting installation on Bada Danda is advancing rapidly.
• Parking & Public Amenities: Temporary parking zones have been identified and are being developed by the Works Department and Puri Municipal Corporation. Over 1,600 temporary toilets, including bio-toilets, are being set up, with tenders already finalized.
• Health & Sanitation: The Health Department has finalized locations for additional temporary health centers equipped with beds. Drain desilting and sanitation drives are in full swing to ensure cleanliness across the pilgrim routes.
• Traffic & Emergency Management: Dedicated ambulance corridors have been mapped out to ensure smooth movement during emergencies. Comprehensive plans for crowd control, law and order, and public transport (road and rail) were also reviewed.
• Encroachment Removal: Systematic removal of encroachments along Bada Danda is progressing in phases and is expected to be completed within the stipulated timeline.
CS Garg directed all departments to enhance coordination and conduct regular on-ground visits to Puri to monitor progress personally. She urged officials to work with greater synergy to deliver a memorable and hassle-free experience for lakhs of devotees expected to converge in the holy city.
The meeting set a clear target: all major preparatory works must be completed by June 30 to leave sufficient buffer time before the sacred chariot procession.
The Rath Yatra, one of the largest and most vibrant religious festivals in India, draws millions of devotees every year. With focused administrative attention and inter-departmental coordination, the Odisha government aims to uphold the highest standards of safety, sanitation, and devotion for this year’s celebrations.
