Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today reviewed the preparations for Lord Jagannath’s annual Ratha Jatra at Odisha’s Puri town. The review meeting was held at the Town Hall at Puri.

The Chief Minister put emphasis on incident-free Ratha Jatra and asked the officials to ensure proper management of crowd during the mega event.

He also asked the administration for adequate deployment of police and traffic personnel for smooth Ratha Jatra, scheduled to be held on June 27.

In the wake of the recent outbreak of diarrohea in some districts, the Chief Minister asked the officials of the health Department to maintain utmost vigil at Puri during the Ratha Jatra.

The officials have been told to take appropriate measures to check the sale of contaminated food and water during the mega event.

The Chief Minister also sought the cooperation of the servitors of Jagannath temple for timely performance of rituals during the Car Festival.

“World famous Ratha Jatra at Puri is the most important identity of our glorious culture. The religious sentiments of crores of devotees are associated with this festival. So, smooth organisation of Ratha Jatra is not only our official responsibility but also our sacred duty,” said the Chief Minister.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan briefed the meeting about the steps introduced by the administration for successful organisation of the annual mega event. Similarly, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling spoke about the arrangements for providing healthcare to the devotees.

Besides, Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania gave detailed information on the measures to maintain law and order at Puri.

Among others, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Puri MP Sambit Patra and Rajya Sabha MP Subhashis Khuntia were present at the review meet.