Rath Yatra: Odisha govt directs zero-error preparations after past lapses | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: State govt on Tuesday directed all departments — particularly Odisha police — to learn from past lapses and ensure zero-error arrangements for the smooth conduct of Rath Yatra in Puri scheduled for July 16.Chairing the first preparatory meeting, chief secretary Anu Garg stressed that no stone should be left unturned. She urged departments to identify errors from the Rath Yatra of previous years and implement corrective measures, noting that the extended six-month window for planning should help overcome past shortcomings.Traditionally, state-level preparations under the chief secretary’s leadership begin four months before the festival. This year, however, the exercise was advanced by two months in light of last year’s lapses.“Every department should start drawing up foolproof plans keeping in mind past lapses,” Garg said. She underscored that real-time monitoring and crowd management would be critical to success, instructing Odisha police to put in place foolproof systems.The urgency follows the death of three persons in a stampede on June 29, 2025 near the chariots in front of the Gundicha Temple on the third day of Rath Yatra. The incident raised serious concerns about crowd control despite the deployment of AI-powered cameras and substantial manpower. On June 27, the chariot of Lord Jagannath could not be pulled until evening due to the overwhelming influx of devotees breaching the security cordon.At that time, Garg — then development commissioner — was tasked with leading the administrative probe into the stampede. Her inquiry report cited negligence by seven police officers and flagged the poor functioning of AI cameras and the integrated command and control centre.“Based on my inquiry’s recommendations, I have advised all departments accordingly. We will also take some long-term measures to address issues such as accommodation for police personnel and provision of toilets,” Garg said.She further directed the forest department to ensure timely supply of timber. Each year, 865 logs of different species are required to construct the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.Other issues discussed included devotee convenience and safety, healthcare facilities, drinking water, sanitation, accommodation, transportation and the timely conduct of rituals.DGP Y B Khurania, additional chief secretary (home) Hemant Sharma, and chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Kumar Padhee, among others, attended the meeting.
