Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has directed the state police department, along with the Puri District Collector and police administration, to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the smooth conduct of the renowned Ratha Yatra in Puri in 2025. A preliminary meeting concerning the upcoming Puri Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Ahuja at the Lokseva Bhawan’s meeting hall. During this meeting, he provided instructions for the preparations ahead of the Ratha Yatra, which is set to commence on June 27.
According to a statement issued by the state government, discussions primarily centred on crowd management and security measures to ensure the successful execution of the Ratha Yatra.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of the State Home Department, Satyabrata Sahu, Director General of Police, YB Khurania, and other senior police and administrative officers from Puri district.
The discussions particularly focused on managing crowd control and ensuring smooth traffic operations during the Ratha Yatra, which attracts a massive influx of devotees and tourists. Participants deliberated on strategies to alleviate potential crowd congestion, emphasising efficient crowd management and safety protocols.
As Puri serves as a major religious and tourist destination, the Ratha Yatra draws a considerable number of visitors. It was noted that areas surrounding the Jagannath Temple, Puri’s Badadanda (Grand Road), and Puri Beach frequently experience heavy crowds. The Gundicha Temple also sees significant foot traffic during the Ratha Yatra, necessitating effective crowd management strategies. The police administration has proposed the installation of CCTV cameras at 343 strategic locations throughout the city, including major thoroughfares like Badadanda, Puri Beach, and other critical areas, to aid in traffic control and crowd monitoring.
Furthermore, proposals were discussed for the placement of CCTV cameras in key locations such as Malatipatpur, Puri Grid Station, Konark, Balighai, and Manglaghat. The goal is to ensure real-time monitoring, enhance crime prevention, and facilitate effective law enforcement during the festival.
The discussion also highlighted the necessity for effective coordination among various departments. A unified command centre will be established for the event, bringing together representatives from different agencies to ensure seamless operations. This centre will address issues related to security, crime control, crowd management, and emergency responses.
Ahuja stressed the importance of thorough advance preparations to ensure that all aspects of the Ratha Yatra’s management—including human resources, logistics, and technical expertise—are in place.
Senior officials reviewed the strategies implemented during the previous Rath Yatra in 2024, particularly concerning crowd control, sharing their experiences to enhance preparations for 2025.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on the need for coordinated planning and effective execution to guarantee the safety and security of all devotees and visitors during the Ratha Yatra.
Key dates for the upcoming Ratha Yatra events are:
- Devasnana Purnima: June 11, 2025
- Gundicha Yatra: June 27, 2025
- Bahuda Yatra: July 5, 2025
- Sunabesha: July 6, 2025
