DG Reviews Ratha Yatra Preparedness

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Director General of Police Dr Rajendra Prasad Sharma today reviewed the preparations for the world famous Ratha Yatra to be held on 4th July 2019 at Puri. In a high level meeting held at his camp office in Bhubaneswar, Dr Sharma stressed on better coordination between all the departments involved. An officer of the rank of ADG will be in charge of the overall Ratha Yatra preparations.

While elaborate arrangements have been made for smooth flow of visitors to the pilgrim city of Puri, security would be beefed up till Suna Besha of the deities. The meeting was attended by representatives of several departments including NDRF, SIB, CRPF, RPF, NAVY, Crime Branch and Intelligence. IG Law and Order, DG Intelligence and IG Central Zone were present in the meeting. More than 150 platoons of police personnel will be deployed during the entire festival period.  Two companies of CRPF forces and rapid action force will also be put into action. Likewise, NSG forces from Hyderabad will also join in securing the temple city during the Yatra. The Navy has been asked to secure the coast with the help of Coast Guard and the local police.

During the festival time, the air space upto 1100 feet over the Jagannath Temple would be declared no fly zone. The CCTV network that was damaged due to cyclone Fani is being restored in a war footing. Temporary CCTVs may also be installed in many places of Puri. While efforts are being made for smooth traffic and parking system, the overall motto is to help devotees have a good Darshan of the deities.