Thousands of devotees are likely to go to Puri in Odisha as it prepares to host the Rath Yatra for the public for the first time in two years. Odisha Police has deployed 1000 officers to ensure safe conduct.
Over 1,000 officials and 180 police platoons would be stationed in and around Puri during the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, according to Odisha DGP Sunil Bansal, who made the announcement on Monday.
Anti-sabotage and metal detector checks will be implemented close to the temple and the chariots as the Jagannath temple in Puri is designated as a category-A shrine in terms of terrorist threat.
According to a police spokesman, bomb disposal teams, anti-terrorist teams, and special tactical units would be stationed at key points throughout the town.
Puri town has been divided into 10 zones and 29 sectors to facilitate seamless traffic movement. For both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, adequate parking facilities have been created, he claimed.
The Indian Coast Guard has been directed to maintain a state of vigilance during the Rath Yatra and will patrol up to 12 nautical miles out to sea, the official added.
Naba Kishore Das, the state’s minister of health, has urged anyone experiencing cold, cough, or fever-like symptoms to avoid going to Puri during the festival.
According to Das, the devotees will receive approximately 10 lakh face masks from the Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd (OSMCL). If somebody exhibits any Covid-19 symptoms, plans will be made for quick antigen tests.
Prasanta Patnaik