This is what Maheswar Mohanty, Puri MlA and head of the Nabakalebar infrastructure committee says about the progress of the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra-related works in Puri. He was interviewed by Rakesh Das. The discussion was all about road, drainage, sanitation, electrification, shelter for pilgrims, traffic control, drinking water, first aid, law and order and Brahma fiasco, etc.
What is the present status of road construction and how many days it will take to complete the workIJ
Except one side’s work from Batgaon to Baliapanda, the rest of road works will be completed within next three days.
Why has the newly-constructed National Highway subsided at PuriIJ
A hole had been created by the sewerage department at the time of pipeline connection long back, and that’s why the road has subsided.
What about the incomplete drainage work at different places like the sea beach area, near the Puri Hotel, Achrya Harihar Chowk and Atharnala and when will the job completedIJ
All the works will be completed before Rath Yatra.
What system will you adopt for defecation and urination of expected 50 lakh pilgrims at the time of Rath Yatra and where will they take restIJ
We have made temporary rest sheds at different places like all college and school grounds for 1 lakh devotees. Also, we have made 34 permanent, temporary and movable community toilets for defecation and urination.
What will you say about the incomplete electrification work in all roadside areasIJ
Almost all the works have been finished, and we are trying our level best to finish the rest work, i.e., from Batagaon to Baliapanda road within next five days.
How can you control the traffic, and what are your plans for controlling law and order situations during the Rath YatraIJ
We had meetings with different volunteer organisations, Scouts, NCC, NSS and other agencies along with our traffic team to control the traffic system. We have also arranged lots of force to control law and order situations.
What arrangements have been made to provide safe drinking water to the huge crowdIJ
50 MlD water will be provided by the PHD. 45 overhead tankers and 200 sallow tube-wells will provide safe drinking water to the expected 50 lakh pilgrims.
As per the weather forecast, there may be low pressure-triggered heavy rain causing knee-deep waterlogging in the Bada Danda. What measure will be taken for thisIJ
We are arranging sewerage pumps and tanks to evacuate the water in such an emergency situation.
What is your plan regarding cleaning the garbage from Masani Chandi Chowk and medical waste from Kumbharpada ChowkIJ
It will be cleared within next three days.
We had received several complaints regarding supply of safe drinking water from the water treatment plant of Mangalaghat as the plant is not working properly, and the water which has been provided is not safe for drinking. What will you say regarding thatIJ
I heard about the complaints and we are working on it which will be resolved soon.
What’s your personal comment on Brahma fiasco issueIJ
My personal comment is that there was delay in the process and nothing more than that. I am requesting everybody to let the investigation take its course, and the truth will come out soon. Till then, do not play with the emotions of the general public by creating false news.
What will be your personal appeal for the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra to the publicIJ
I am requesting all the public to cooperate with the district administration and involve them voluntarily to make the huge festival a success in a peaceful manner.