Keeping in view the stampede during Rath Yatra festival in 2006, the State Government on Thursday approved a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the smooth management of the ensuing Rath Yatra on July 18.
"All the departments linked with Nabakalebar festival have prepared their own disaster management plan. Taking all these plans together, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority has prepared a standard operating procedure (SOP) for proper management of any eventualities," said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) GVV Sarma.
The officials are told what to do and what not to during any mishaps, said Sarma, adding that booklets have been prepared which will be distributed among the officials who are put in charge of different works.