Pilgrims can use public toilets free of cost during Ratha Jatra in Odisha’s Puri

Puri: Those visiting Puri during the Ratha Jatra this year will be allowed to use Sulabh Sauchalayas and public toilets operated by the Puri Municipality free of cost. A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting convened by Puri Collector Aravind Agrawal yesterday.

The facility will be available for three days– a day before the Ratha Jatra, on the day of the festival and during Bahuda Jatra.

It was also decided at the meeting that use of plastic water pouches, which are usually offered by NGOs and voluntary organisations to devotees during the festival, would be minimised. Drinking water will be provided to pilgrims through tankers which would be stationed at strategic points.

The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) was directed to ensure that sub-standard foods are not served to pilgrims during the nine-day festival.