Puri Rath Yatra: Odisha Govt prohibits non-servants of climbers, cell phones | Today news

For the Jagannath Rath Yatra of this year in Puri, the Odisha government has banned non-service to get on the chariots. State Rights Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Sunday that strict legal action, including arrests, would be taken against any non-service climbed on the chariots during the Yatra. Harichandan also argued that the use of cell phones on the wagons would be strictly prohibited. “No non-service will be allowed to climb the chariots. If such a person is found on the wagon, strong actions, including arrest, will be taken. Servitors will also not be allowed to wear cell phones on the wagons,” the minister told reporters. To ensure the timely completion of rituals and maintain discipline during the ‘PAANDI BIE’ (the ceremonial march) of the gods, the government has requested a list of servants to perform rituals on Rath Yatra Day (June 27). “The final list will be strictly enforced,” the minister said. Security measures for Rath Yatra to review the security measures for the Rath Yatra, Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, held a meeting in Bhubaneswar. The road connecting Uttara Square near Bhubaneswar with Puri will be under CCTV supervision, and attempts are underway to install CCTV cameras along the Puri-Conark Road, the DGP said. “Ai-activated CCTV cameras are installed on key locations in Puri for real-time monitoring,” he added. Traffic advice will also be issued from the control room to lead pilgrims and visitors. In addition, a mobile app has been developed through which people will find information on the route through which they will have the ease to visit Puri during the festival and park their vehicles, he said. Along with police staff, fast action, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and specialized agencies in Puri will be deployed for the festival, he said, adding: “We have requested the authorities to deploy the central powers.” Head of State Secretary Manoj Ahuja visited Puri on Sunday and drafted the construction of wagons. “Chariot Construction is progressing according to schedule, and I am confident that it will be completed in time,” he told reporters.