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Odisha Finalises Tightened Security and Crowd Plans for July 16 Puri Rath Yatra

Officials say new standard operating procedures and specialist deployments aim to prevent a repeat of last year’s deadly stampede.

Overview

  • Odisha Police led by DGP Y. B. Khurania held a high-level review on Friday to finalise SOPs and co-ordinate deployments for the Rath Yatra on July 16.
  • Police will deploy specialist units including K-9 teams, NSG-trained Special Operation Group personnel and Special Tactical Units to strengthen on-ground crowd control.
  • Traffic and crowd logistics measures include eight additional parking sites, regulated cordon passes, clearance teams ahead of chariots and extra CCTV and LED displays at transit points.
  • Temple authorities confirmed chariot materials have been pre-stocked and law officials stressed tighter coordination with Daitapati servitors and the district administration for ritual timing and access control.
  • Health, fire and disaster-response arrangements are being reviewed with the RPF to secure Puri and nearby stations and with a Chief Minister inspection scheduled next week to check readiness before the festival period.