Bhubaneswar, Jul 14: With Andhra Pradesh reporting fresh COVID-19 cases and fatalities, Odisha has heightened vigilance across its border districts while simultaneously preparing for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, which is expected to draw nearly three million devotees from India and abroad.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling chaired a high-level meeting, assuring citizens that the government is alert and monitoring the situation closely. “There is no need to panic. The state is fully prepared and will implement any advisories issued by the Centre,” he said. Hospitals in border districts have been instructed to set up isolation wards, while suspected cases showing Covid-like symptoms will be tested at district headquarters hospitals.

Odisha’s Directorate of Public Health has asked Chief District Medical Officers in seven border districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi — to remain vigilant. District administrations in Ganjam and Koraput have already convened review meetings, while Gajapati officials urged people not to be fearful.

The timing of these alerts coincides with preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, scheduled to begin in Puri on July 16. Anticipating massive crowds, the health department has rolled out extensive arrangements. For the first time, eight temporary hospitals with 10 beds each will be set up along both sides of the Grand Road (Badadanda).

The Puri District Headquarters Hospital has added a newly constructed block with 150 extra beds, a 10-bed ICU, a 10-bed trauma care unit, a 10-bed burn ward and a dedicated operation theatre. A total of 230 doctors, including 66 specialists, two cardiologists, two neurologists and two plastic surgeons, will be deployed. Thirty emergency medical centres and 46 ambulances will be stationed across the city.

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Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida said the arrangements were designed to ensure swift medical response amid the anticipated surge of pilgrims. “We are committed to providing seamless healthcare support during the Yatra,” he noted.

The nine-day festival will see Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra travel from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, returning on July 24 for the Bahuda Yatra. The combined measures reflect Odisha’s dual focus: containing potential COVID risks while safeguarding millions of devotees during one of the state’s most significant religious events.