Bhubaneswar, 07 June (H.S.): With the world-famous Rath Yatra approaching, the Government of Odisha has intensified preparations to ensure a safe, clean, and seamless experience for the large number of devotees expected to arrive in Puri for the annual festival.

Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, conducted a comprehensive review of Rath Yatra preparedness at the Puri Circuit . The review focused on expediting critical civic infrastructure and public service arrangements across the city ahead of the event.

During the meeting, Padhee directed officials to ensure timely completion of all road repair works within the municipal limits, thorough cleaning and maintenance of drainage systems, strengthened sanitation measures, adequate street lighting, and the development of temporary parking facilities. She also stressed the need for uninterrupted drinking water supply and instructed the establishment of 24-hour public toilet facilities to manage the anticipated influx of pilgrims.

To maintain cleanliness and civic discipline during the festival, the administration has planned strict enforcement measures. The Additional Chief Secretary directed authorities to impose substantial penalties on individuals, commercial establishments, and builders found dumping garbage or construction materials on public roads and open spaces.

A coordinated action plan has been formulated by the Housing & Urban Development Department in collaboration with associated agencies to ensure timely execution of all preparatory works. Padhee advised Puri District Collector Shri Dibyajyoti Parida to conduct weekly reviews of ongoing projects and closely monitor progress to ensure accountability and timely completion.

Given that this year’s Rath Yatra will coincide with the monsoon season, special emphasis has been placed on stormwater management and drainage infrastructure along the Grand Road (Badadanda). Puri Municipal Corporation Commissioner Arugula Sneha informed the meeting that all open drains along the festival route will be covered with concrete slabs by June 30, as per the scheduled timeline.

She further stated that citywide sanitation operations are being carried out twice daily, along with extensive public awareness campaigns to encourage citizen participation in maintaining cleanliness during the festival period.

As part of broader traffic and urban management measures, anti-encroachment drives have been intensified across Puri. Authorities are also undertaking steps to remove stray cattle from public roads and relocate them to designated gaushalas and temporary shelters.

The meeting also reviewed arrangements for parking facilities and designated rest areas for vehicle drivers. In the interest of public health, safety, and sanitation, the administration decided that permission for the distribution of cooked food during Rath Yatra 2026 will be granted only to agencies submitting proper waste management plans.

Following the review meeting, Usha Padhee, along with the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and senior officials, conducted field inspections of key project sites and reviewed on-ground progress of critical infrastructure works.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda