Finance
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting in Puri today to analyze and improve the security and administrative arrangements for the ongoing Rath Yatra. The meeting, which included senior officials, police, and sevayat (servitor) members, aimed to ensure that the final Chaturdhamurti ceremonies were carried out successfully, safely, and in conjunction with all stakeholders.
The Chief Minister expressed grave worry about the unforeseen happenings that transpired during the first two days of the Yatra and declared that Development Commissioner Smt. Anu Garg will conduct a comprehensive probe into the events.
CM Majhi stressed that rigorous preparations are underway for the approaching main rites of Hera Panchami, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, Adharapana, and Niladri Bije. He asked the administration to ensure that daily darshans continue uninterrupted and that devotees are not inconvenienced in any way.
The Chief Minister laid out specific instructions to tighten security, crowd management, and fire safety measures. These include:
- Real-time crowd estimation systems
- Reduction and strict control of cordon passes (only essential, non-transferable)
- Enhanced deployment of volunteers and security personnel around the chariots and Badadanda
- Inspection of chariot fitness in consultation with Maharana and Bhoi sevaks
- Regulation of vehicular movement, especially along the Bhubaneswar–Puri highway
- Strict ban on sale of flammable items and roadside cooking near congregation zones
- Increased Fire Services surveillance, particularly at beaches and densely crowded spots
He urged servitors and sevaks to support the administration during the remaining rituals, particularly Suna Besha, to ensure that lakhs of devotees are able to witness the Lord’s splendour peacefully.
“The Rath Yatra is not just a festival but a sacred service to Lord Jagannath. We all have a collective duty to ensure the divine procession is conducted with discipline and devotion,” said the Chief Minister, assuring that any grievances of servitors would be duly addressed and his doors remain open for dialogue.
