Odisha CM stresses on smooth conduct of Rath Yatra rituals at Puri

BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday sought the cooperation of servitors of Jagannath temple in Puri for timely and smooth conduct of rituals on Rath Yatra on July 12.
Naveen also stressed on strict adherence to the Covid-safety precautions during the conduct of the festival, which has been allowed by the Supreme Court only at Puri. Like last year, the state government has banned the participation of devotees in Rath Yatra in view of the unprecedented crisis caused by the Covid pandemic.
“All arrangements have reached the final stages. Like last year, the Rath Yatra will be observed amid an unprecedented situation this time too. Devotees across the globe will watch the festival live on their TV screens and social media. So, the rituals should be performed in time and Covid appropriate norms be adhered,” said a statement from the chief minister’s office after Naveen Patnaik reviewed the Rath Yatra preparations through virtual platform.
Chief secretary Suresh Mahapatra, director general of police Abhay, Jagannath temple’s chief administrator Krishan Kumar, Puri district collector Samarth Verma, SP Kanwar Vishal Singh attended the virtual meeting. Three ministers including law minister Pratap Jena, who too attended the meeting, rushed to Puri and oversaw the arrangements.
Seeking the blessings of the deities for smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra, Naveen said the Covid danger is far from over even though the infection rate in the second wave has dropped. Naveen urged devotees to stay at their homes during the pandemic and watch Rath Yatra live on TV. “Just as the servitors and residents of Puri extended their cooperation last year, we expect the same from them this year,” Naveen said.
In the meeting, health minister Naba Kishore Das informed that Covid testing and vaccination centres have been set up in Puri for servitors. Only the ones (servitors and government employees), who test negative for Covid-19, will be allowed to take part in Rath Yatra. Temporary first-aid centres would be set up on the Grand Road for servitors and government staff.
Abhay said adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful Rath Yatra. Police said they would strictly enforce the Covid safety protocols as well as the Section 144 of the CrPC in Puri town to prevent the congregation of devotees during the festival.