Puri Bahuda Yatra Preparations Reviewed by CM Mohan Majhi; Focus on Safety and Crowd Management

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday directed officials to adopt a scientific, technology-driven approach to crowd management for the upcoming Bahuda Yatra in Puri, stressing the need for rapid response mechanisms and seamless coordination to ensure the safe completion of the annual pilgrimage’s remaining rituals.Reviewing preparations for the Bahuda Yatra, scheduled for July 24, Majhi instructed authorities to ensure that live surveillance feeds from CCTV cameras are transmitted instantly to the Integrated Command and Control System (ICCS). The real-time monitoring system, he said, should enable officials to respond immediately to any developing situation and strengthen overall crowd regulation. The Chief Minister also asked the administration to prioritise effective crowd management and continuous dissemination of information to devotees throughout the event. At the same time, he appealed to pilgrims to strictly comply with the standard operating procedures and guidelines issued by the district administration and police to facilitate the smooth and secure conduct of the festival. With the Suna Besha and Niladri Bije rituals scheduled to follow the Bahuda Yatra, Majhi directed officials to make comprehensive arrangements so that all remaining ceremonies are completed peacefully, efficiently and without disruption. During the review meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that every ritual associated with the Rath Yatra has so far been conducted successfully. They noted that despite persistent rainfall, adverse weather, heat and humidity, government officials, employees and volunteers continued serving the lakhs of devotees without interruption. Majhi praised the servitors for their dedicated and selfless service during the festival and commended government personnel for working in close coordination and displaying strong team spirit to ensure the smooth conduct of one of Odisha’s largest religious events.  The Chief Minister also expressed grief over the deaths of two devotees who succumbed to health-related complications during the Rath Yatra. Recalling the state’s earlier announcement, he said financial assistance of ₹10 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund would be provided to the families of the deceased. The review meeting was attended by Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Home Secretary Hemanta Sharma, Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee.