KalingaTV News Network
Puri: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday chaired the fourth and final Rath Yatra coordination committee meeting here and took stock of the preparedness for the annual festival of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
Patnaik reviewed the ongoing road works, drinking water facilities, drainage and law and order for the grand festival.
“I have just reviewed the arrangements for the Rath Yatra. With the Lord’s blessings everything will go well and safe way,” said the Chief Minister while speaking to the newsmen.
He also assured to look into the difficulties and problems faced by the sevayats or servitors after the ruling of the Supreme Court for peaceful maintenance of the 12th century shrine.
Patnaik also said that as many as 545 doctors will be stationed during the Rath Yatra on July 14.
Briefing the media about the security arrangements, DGP Rajendra Prasad Sharma said, “140 platoons of police, 800 officers, 2 units each of NDRF, ODRAF, Rapid Action Force, Odisha Swift Action Force, Special Task Force will be deployed in Puri to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the annual festival.”
“The National Security Guard (NSG) will also be roped in to combat any possible terrorist attack. Besides, 300 lifeguards will be put in place for the safety of devotes on Puri sea beach,” he added.
Ministers of various departments along with Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi attended the meeting.
Ms Kalinga