Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the final preparation of the Rath Yatra on June 25 in a meeting here held on the Saturday in presence of his Cabinet colleagues and top officials of various line departments.
District Magistrate Arabind Agarwal appraised the Chief Minister regarding preparedness of various departments.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief PK Jena informed about the progress of ongoing construction of three Raths, about the neetis and assured timely performance of the nitees of the deities.
The Chief Minister was informed about the progress of various projects connected with the festival being executed by the PWD, the PHD, the Drainage, the Sewerage, the Railways, the National High and the Puri civic body. The things that came for review include continuous supply of power, drinking water, essential commodities, illumination of the city and healthcare.
The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) informed that two units of heat stroke treatment centres would operate near the lion’s Gate area of the temple to provide relief to the pilgrims. These apart, additional 77 beds in ICU, emergency and casualty wards have been made. About 136 doctors, including specialists and a good number of support staff, have been deployed in the DHH while additional staff members have been posted at various other hospitals along various routes to Puri.
About 186 special trains would ply to Puri during the festival while 36 ticket booking counters would be opened by the ECoR at Puri and many more would be made operational at other stations connected to Puri route. A first aid centre at Puri railway station with ambulance would be placed in service. Elaborate security arrangements would be made, it was told.
SP Sarthak Sarangi informed that 125 platoons of police personnel, besides hundreds of officers of various ranks, a number of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and SOG battalions and 2,400 home guards would be deployed for the smooth conduct of the fete.
HUD Minister Niranjan Pujari, Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty, Panhayati Raj Minister Pradeep Maharathy, Health Minister Pratap Jena and Culture Minister Ashok Panda were present.
The Chief Minister later inaugurated the new Puri jail building at Bangara spread over in 25 acres of land built at a cost of about Rs 10 crore. It could accommodate 480 persons in the two-storied building. It has a 25-bed hospital besides staff quarters. Apart from modern security systems, it is also has videoconferencing and other facilities for the inmates.