Bhubaneswar: With lakhs expected to throng Puri during Rath Yatra on July 16, the state govt has, for the first time, earmarked multiple evacuation corridors for swift movement of devotees in case of emergencies, said sources on Friday.After chairing the final review meeting in Bhubaneswar, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that multiple evacuation corridors have been earmarked to ensure effective crowd control. Govt sources said this is a precautionary measure in the wake of last year’s June 29 stampede — on the third day of the Rath Yatra— that led to the death of three devotees in front of the chariots outside Gundicha temple.“Help desks will be set up at Gundicha temple for elderly and differently‑abled devotees to facilitate a smooth darshan. Evacuation corridors have been planned for crowd control, and a unified command and control centre will oversee all security operations,” Majhi said.Police sources said about 30 evacuation corridors will serve as dedicated passageways for the swift movement of devotees during any crisis. These routes will remain unobstructed, enabling police and emergency services to respond quickly and prevent a repeat of last year’s tragedy.Majhi said at least 12,000 police personnel, including central forces, will be deployed, with the coast guard and navy also on alert. Nineteen senior IPS officers have been assigned to oversee Rath Yatra security.A total of 473 CCTV cameras and 65 large LED screens have been installed for providing real‑time information.Reiterating the need for seamless inter-departmental coordination, Majhi said: “At every level, officers must maintain uninterrupted communication to enforce planned measures and respond swiftly when required. Senior officers must stay vigilant to ensure that no communication gap arises.”The chief minister also flagged smooth chariot cordon management, women’s safety, surveillance of suspicious people, traffic regulation, checks on food and drinking water quality, and weather‑related precautions as priority areas.The chief minister’s office (CMO) said eight temporary hospitals will provide immediate healthcare support. Also, this year, 1,700 bio‑toilets have been installed exclusively for Rath Yatra, with volunteers assigned to maintain cleanliness, the CMO said.
