Puri: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, during a high-level review meeting on Ratha Yatra security, emphasised the need for smooth and safe management of the remaining major events of the annual chariot festival. He called for improved traffic regulation, enhanced fire service preparedness, and stricter crowd management.

Highlighting that Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, and Niladri Bije are yet to be held, the Chief Minister urged officials to remain fully prepared for any emergencies. He underlined accurate and real-time crowd estimation is crucial to ensure the safety of devotees and should be carried out in advance for each event.

Majhi also directed officials to implement the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for security in both letter and spirit. To help reduce congestion, he instructed a reduction in the number of cordon passes issued during the festivities.

He also advised suggestions be taken from Maharana servitors and Bhoi servitors to ensure the smooth conduct of rituals and movement of the chariots. Additionally, he stressed the need to requisition adequate security forces for foolproof arrangements.

The Chief Minister directed authorities to maintain heightened vigil at critical locations in Puri, including the bus stand, railway station, and beaches, to prevent any untoward incidents.

The meeting was attended by Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Puri MP Sambit Patra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, DGP Y.B. Khurania, SJTA Administrator Arvind Padhee, local representatives, and senior district officials.

It is worth noting that on June 29, a stampede near the Gundicha Temple led to the death of three devotees and left several others injured. The incident occurred ini the early morning when a massive crowd gathered for darshan of Lord Jagannath and His siblings on their respective chariots.