Puri, July 3 (UDN): With the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath just days away, the holy city of Puri is witnessing hectic preparations as the Odisha Government and district administration gear up to welcome an estimated 25 lakh devotees from across India and abroad.
File photo
Construction of the three majestic wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is in its final phase, with teams of skilled carpenters and artisans working round the clock to complete the centuries-old tradition in time for the festival.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the world-famous event, authorities have put in place an extensive crowd management and security plan. Puri has been divided into multiple policing sectors, with additional security personnel, rapid response teams and traffic police to regulate pilgrim movement and maintain law and order throughout the festival.
A comprehensive traffic management plan has also been prepared to minimise congestion. Hundreds of electric vehicles will shuttle devotees between designated parking areas and the Grand Road (Bada Danda), improving last-mile connectivity while reducing traffic pressure in the temple town.
The Health Department has strengthened medical preparedness by establishing dedicated emergency wards at hospitals and deploying hundreds of doctors, nurses and paramedics across the city. Temporary health camps, ambulances and first-aid centres will remain operational to provide immediate medical assistance to pilgrims.
Technology will play a key role in monitoring the festival. The entire Grand Road will be kept under round-the-clock surveillance through an extensive network of CCTV cameras linked to an integrated control room. Large LED display screens will provide live updates on crowd movement, traffic advisories and other important announcements to help ensure a safe and orderly Rath Yatra.
Officials have appealed to devotees to follow traffic regulations, cooperate with security personnel and adhere to official advisories for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival.
With elaborate arrangements in place, the administration is confident of ensuring a safe, seamless and memorable Rath Yatra experience for millions of devotees visiting the abode of Lord Jagannath.