Puri Rath Yatra: Strict Measures to Ensure Safety and Discipline

Government Implements Strict Regulations for Rath Yatra

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced strict legal measures, including potential arrests, for any non-servitor attempting to climb the chariots during this year's Rath Yatra in Puri, as stated by Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Sunday. He emphasized that mobile phones will also be banned on the chariots.

Harichandan informed the media, stating, “No non-servitor will be permitted on the chariots. If anyone is found, they will face serious consequences, including arrest. Additionally, servitors are prohibited from bringing mobile phones onto the chariots.”

To ensure that rituals are performed on time and to maintain order during the ‘Pahandi Bije’ (the ceremonial procession) of the deities, the government has requested a list of servitors assigned to perform rituals on Rath Yatra day, which falls on June 27. “The final list will be strictly enforced,” the minister added.

In a related development, Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania convened a meeting to assess security arrangements for the Rath Yatra. The road from Uttara Square near Bhubaneswar to Puri will be monitored via CCTV, with plans to install additional cameras along the Puri-Konark route.

For the first time, an integrated command and control center will be established at the Puri Town police station to oversee crowd management and traffic flow. “AI-enabled CCTV cameras are being set up at strategic locations in Puri for real-time surveillance,” he noted.

Traffic advisories will be disseminated from the control room to assist pilgrims and visitors. Furthermore, a mobile application has been developed to provide information on routes and parking options for those attending the festival.

In addition to police personnel, rapid action forces, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and specialized agencies will be deployed in Puri for the event. The authorities have also requested the presence of central forces.

Drones and an anti-drone system will be utilized during the Car Festival to enhance security measures.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja visited Puri on Sunday to review the progress of chariot construction. “The construction of the chariots is on schedule, and I am confident it will be completed in time,” he remarked.