CM Majhi orders tight security, smart crowd monitoring for Bahuda Yatra in Puri

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 22, 2026

With the Bahuda Yatra of the Holy Trinity set to be held in Puri on July 24, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness for the grand event and directed officials to ensure foolproof security, efficient crowd management and seamless coordination for the remaining rituals of the annual Rath Yatra.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister stressed that maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of lakhs of devotees must remain the administration’s top priority. He instructed officials to strengthen real-time information sharing, adopt scientific methods to monitor crowd density and integrate CCTV surveillance with the command-and-control system to enable swift response to any emerging situation.

Majhi appealed to devotees and pilgrims to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the administration and police to facilitate the smooth conduct of the festival. He also lauded the dedicated efforts of sevayats, government officials and staff for successfully conducting the Rath Yatra despite adverse weather conditions, appreciating their teamwork and commitment to public service.

The review meeting noted that all rituals associated with the Rath Yatra have been conducted smoothly so far. With the Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha and Niladri Bije still to be observed, the Chief Minister called for the same level of vigilance, coordination and preparedness to ensure the remaining events conclude without any disruption.

Expressing grief over the death of two devotees due to health complications during the festival, Majhi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced an assistance of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Senior officials, including Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Padhee, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Fire Services Director General Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi and Additional Director General of Police Soumendra Priyadarshi, briefed the Chief Minister on security measures and logistical arrangements.

Law and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Development Commissioner D.K. Singh were also present at the meeting.