Odisha Chief Secretary Calls for SOP Development for Ratha Yatra
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Synopsis
On February 26, Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja directed the state police and Puri District Collector to create Standard Operating Procedures for the efficient organization of Ratha Yatra 2025, focusing on crowd management, security, and technology implementation.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation of SOPs for Ratha Yatra 2025.
- CCTV installation to enhance surveillance.
- Focus on crowd management and security measures.
- Establishment of Integrated Command and Control Center.
- Public announcement systems for effective communication.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Chief Secretary of Odisha, Manoj Ahuja, has on Tuesday instructed the state's police department and the Puri District Collector to formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the seamless execution of the renowned Ratha Yatra in Puri in 2025.
Ahuja issued these directives while presiding over a preliminary meeting focused on the preparations for the Ratha Yatra, scheduled to commence on June 27.
According to a statement released by the state government, the primary discussions revolved around crowd management and security measures to guarantee the smooth operation of the Ratha Yatra.
The police department has suggested the installation of 343 CCTV cameras at strategic locations to bolster surveillance and enable real-time monitoring during the Car Festival.
Proposed camera locations include routes leading to Puri, Grand Road (Bada Danda), Puri Beach, and the Gundicha Temple in Puri for improved traffic management, crowd control, prevention of criminal activities, and maintaining law and order.
Additionally, identified sites for CCTV deployment encompass Uttara Square to Malatipatapur, Puri Grid Station to Konark, Balighai to Nimapara, Mangala Ghat to Satapada, and other vital areas such as bus terminals, train stations, parking zones, and internal lanes of Puri city.
The Chief Secretary underscored that the CCTV system should adhere to national standards and instructed officials to undertake necessary actions for its efficient implementation.
During the meeting, it was also resolved to establish an Integrated Command and Control Center in Puri for the festival, with officers from various departments coordinated at the control room to fulfill their departmental duties.
This system will enable real-time monitoring, crime deterrence, crowd management, emergency responsiveness, and disaster preparedness.
Infrastructure and technical requirements for the Rath Yatra were also discussed in the meeting.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of taking necessary actions to prepare the groundwork for the Rath Yatra and utilizing technology to ensure that the CCTV system meets national standards.
Moreover, special focus was placed on public announcement systems to ensure effective communication during this grand celebration.
Attendees of the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania, Puri Collector, Superintendent of Police (SP), and other senior officials.
