Bhubaneswar, 15 March (H.S.) : Senior IPS officer Soumendra Priyadarshi has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing arrangements for the upcoming Rath Yatra 2026 in Puri, according to sources from the Police Headquarters.

The decision has been taken to ensure smooth, secure, and well-coordinated conduct of the world-famous festival, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad every year.

Sources said the senior officer will coordinate and supervise various security and management measures during the festival. The move is expected to strengthen planning and improve coordination among different departments involved in organizing the annual event.

As part of his assignment, Priyadarshi will oversee law and order, traffic management, and arrangements both inside and outside the temple premises. These aspects are considered crucial during the festival due to the massive influx of devotees who gather in the holy city for the grand chariot procession.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda