Puri: 236 CCTV Cameras to Be Installed at Srimandir, Gundicha Temple during Rath Yatra

Puri: With the world famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri coming closer, the district administration has speeded up the preparations. As the Rath Yatra this year is likely to be held in the presence of the devotees, the administration expects that there will be likely congregation of more than 15 lakh people in Puri. Keeping this in view, as many as 236 CCTV cameras will be installed at the Srimandir and Gundicha temple during the annual Rath Yatra this year.

This has been informed by Puri Collector Samarth Verma on Friday while adding that the tender process for same has been completed.

The cameras will be installed before Rath Yatra, he said.

The second meeting of the Rath Yatra Coordination Committee will be held on May 20. It will be chaired by the Central Revenue Commissioner, according to reports.

The Puri district administration has already decided to prepare two plans to conduct the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath — one expecting a heavy crowd and the other without the participation of devotees.

Devotees will be allowed to witness the Rath Yatra this year if the Covid situation continues to remain under control in the State. In such a situation, the district administration is expecting about 12 to 15 lakh devotees. So, a plan is being prepared to deal with such a huge crowd, the administration said.

However, if Covid cases rise in the coming days, the festival is likely to be held sans devotees. So, another plan is being prepared in this direction, it added.