Bhubaneswar: With the grand Puri Rath Yatra 2025 fast approaching, the Odisha government has begun meticulous preparations to ensure seamless crowd management and security during the annual festival of Lord Jagannath. A high-level preliminary meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, was held at Lok Seva Bhavan today to strategize key aspects of the event.
Attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Satyabrata Sahu, Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania, the Puri Collector, Puri Superintendent of Police, and other senior officials, the meeting focused on managing the anticipated surge of devotees, congestion control, and enhanced surveillance measures.
Given Puri’s prominence as a major religious and tourist destination, authorities expect massive crowds at the Jagannath Temple, Grand Road, Gundicha Temple, and Puri Beach during the Rath Yatra. To ensure safety, the Police Administration has proposed installing CCTV cameras at 343 critical locations, including major roads leading to Puri, city entry points, and key gathering spots. This extensive surveillance system will provide real-time monitoring for crowd control, crime prevention, and traffic management.
The meeting also deliberated on the establishment of an Integrated Command and Control Center, which will be operational throughout Rath Yatra 2025. This hub will facilitate coordination among multiple departments, ensuring swift responses to any security or logistical concerns. Officials from the Police Administration and the Puri District Administration have been directed to develop a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing the event efficiently.
Reflecting on past experiences, the Puri Collector and Superintendent of Police provided insights from Rath Yatra 2024, identifying areas for improvement. DGP Khurania highlighted the increasing number of devotees and emphasized the need for early preparations to accommodate the larger turnout in 2025.
Additionally, the meeting discussed the implementation of an integrated public address system to facilitate smooth communication with pilgrims, as well as vehicle movement and parking management strategies to prevent congestion.
Key dates for Puri Rath Yatra 2025 were also reviewed, with major events including Debasnan Purnima on June 11, Gundicha Yatra on June 27, Bahuda Yatra on July 5, and Suna Besha on July 6.
Chief Secretary Ahuja stressed the importance of robust infrastructure and advanced technology in security arrangements, ensuring that all measures align with national standards. Additional Chief Secretary Sahu reiterated the need for inter-departmental coordination throughout the festival, from Chandan Yatra to Niladri Bije, to guarantee a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience for devotees.
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