Puri, May 5: Puri is abuzz with activity as the sacred Rath Yatra approaches, and the district police have rolled out a comprehensive action plan to ensure smooth conduct of the festival.

Learning from last year’s challenges, authorities have emphasized crowd management, emergency response, and enhanced communication with devotees.

Prateek Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP), Puri, announced that CCTV surveillance will cover the entire stretch from Uttara to Bada Danda, ensuring real-time monitoring. Independent evacuation plans have been prepared, with special focus on emergency evacuation routes.

Police have prioritized effective communication with devotees, installing LED screens at crowded points to broadcast important instructions and updates.

Ambulances and first-aid facilities will be strategically placed, with added emphasis on swift ambulance movement. Additional aid posts and control rooms will be set up at Town Police Station, Kumbharpada, and Bagadia, enabling coordinated monitoring.

Parking arrangements have been expanded to accommodate the surge of vehicles, while extra police forces will be deployed to manage public gatherings. Detailed planning is underway for high-density zones to prevent overcrowding.

Meanwhile, Rath Khala has witnessed intense activity over the past fortnight. Construction of the three chariots is progressing rapidly, with the completion of the massive wooden wheels.

Rituals marking the auspicious stage of construction were performed by Vishwakarma sevaks. Artisans are carving intricate lion motifs on the corners of the chariots, while Maharana sevaks continue to supply essential wooden parts for the remaining wheels.

Traffic Enforcement Norms

Puri Police has tightened enforcement against errant auto and toto drivers. Special norms have been introduced for passenger vehicles ahead of the festival.

Over the past two days, action has been taken against 36 violators, including 17 autos lacking proper documents. Additionally, 43 individuals were penalized for public drinking, while 17 cases of drunken driving were registered.

To prevent traffic chaos, police have collaborated with Google Maps to update restricted zones. No-entry and no-vehicle areas around the Jagannath Temple have been marked as red zones on digital maps. This step aims to prevent accidental entry into prohibited areas, reduce fines, and ease congestion for pilgrims.