Odisha CM reviews preparedness for smooth conduct of Rath Yatra; asks depts to coordinate

historic Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra at Puri will go on without any obstruction during Coronavirus pandemic and commence on Tuesday with Supreme Court on Monday modifying its restraining order to permit centuries-old trition with certain conditions, including public attendance.

Following apex courts order, Odisha State Government has asked all concerned departments to coordinate and take all necessary steps in accordance with court's directives and COVID-19 guidelines, to conduct annual Rath Yatra. According to ANI, CM Naveen Patnaik has reviewed preparedness with Law Minister, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Temple Trust ministrator, Collector, SP, etc.

State Ministers are monitoring situation

BJD-led government has me various arrangements keeping in mind Supreme Courts' directive to follow COVID guidelines. police department has ensured that preparations on deployment of special forces will be equately done for smooth conduct of Rath Yatra. Strategies for nakabandi and shutdown will be me by department to ensure that COVID-19 guidelines are also followed.

Health Department is ensuring that COVID-19 testing will be done on participants and will ensure social distancing and health concerns are taken into account for Sevayats. State Ministers along with Chief Secretary and DGP are camping in Puri and monitoring development and preparedness for Rath Yatra.

RE | Puri put under complete lockdown till Wednesday after SC allows Jagannath Rath Yatra

SC allows historic Puri Rath Yatra 

apex court allowed holding of Rath Yatra after taking te of Odisha government's assurance that it "can be held in a limited way without public attendance".

RE | 'Will work with Centre': Odisha govt welcomes SC's decision to allow Jagannath Rath Yatra

Modifying its June 18 order by which it h said that this year's Puri Rath Yatra cant be permitted due to coronavirus pandemic, a bench heed by Chief Justice S A Bobde directed Odisha government to impose curfew in Puri city during time when chariots are taken in procession.

RE | SC gives d for Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra: Re apex court's conditions here

bench, also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and A S Bopanna, said that each Rath would be pulled by t more than 500 people and all of m have to be tested negative for coronavirus. It directed that those engd in pulling chariot shall maintain social distancing before, during and after Rath Yatra.

RE | Supreme Court allows Jagannath Rath Yatra to take place in Puri with restrictions

(With ncy inputs)