PURI: The pilgrims and devotees who come to Puri to watch the Rath Yatra must return back with good feelings. So it is duty of the administration to ensure that devotees do not suffer any hardships during the world famous fest in the pilgrim city.
Many such valuable opinions and suggestions came in from both the servitors and journalists during the second Rath Yatra coordination meeting held in Puri on Sunday. Chairing the meet, Law Minister Ramachandra Saraka said all suggestions for smooth organization of the event will be looked into. Saraka directed the officials to expedite works so as to make sure that the pilgrims enjoy a hassle –free visit.
Briefing mediapersons on preparations for the Rath Yatra, the Minister hoped that the under- construction Parikrama Marg would be completed before the fest. He said the officials would work in a coordinated manner targeting completion of the on-going projects within the stipulated time.
Initially, the meeting witnessed hot verbal exchanges between the forest authorities and audiences in connection with wood logs for chariots and a long pending demand of a database of the Sri Jagannath Banaprakalaps. For quite some years, demands have been raised from several quarters to prepare the database of the Banaprakalpas under which forests were developed to cater to logs requirements for construction of chariots. Crores of rupees have been spent for the projects. The Forest Department has been entrusted to take care of the trees till they grow up to a standard measure for construction of chariots. However, concerns were raised regarding the condition of the trees as the forests are in a neglected state.
Besides, reviews were made regarding water and power supply, roads and drainage, civil supply and transportation. Similarly, more than 210 trains from different places will ply to Puri during the Rath Yatra. Similarly, 29 first aid centres will operate with five food inspectors working round the corner in the city.
Mass Education Minister Samir Dash, Puri MLA Jayant Sarangi, Chief Administration of SJTA Ranjan Kumar Das, Zilla Parisad Chairman Swparani Swain, Central Police IG Narasingha Bhol, I & PR Director Saroj Samal, Collector Samarth Verma and SP KVishal Singh participated in the meeting.