Set up real-time crowd estimate, new security SOPs: Majhi
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Bhubaneswar: Two days after a stampede outside the Gundicha temple left three devotees dead and the govt coming under fire, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced setting up of a real-time crowd estimate system and stronger security SOPs to prevent future disasters.
The annual Rath Yatra festival will conclude on July 8.
Majhi, who had earlier expressed his deep regret and offered heartfelt apologies to Jagannath devotees over the stampede, visited Puri and conducted separate meetings with senior administrative officials, including chief secretary Manoj Ahuja and director general of police Y B Khurania, along with temple servitors.
Majhi issued directives to authorities, ahead of significant events, including Sandhya Darshan (July 4), Bahuda Yatra (July 5), Suna Besha (July 6), and Niladri Bije (July 8) - all of which traditionally draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
"Extensive discussions have been conducted to ensure that the forthcoming ceremonies proceed without any unpleasant incident. We have implemented robust measures to address the challenges encountered during the last few days," Majhi said.
The chief minister instructed the DGP to step up vigilance regarding crowd management and devotee security. He mandated the deployment of substantial police personnel, along with adequate ambulance services and emergency response units to handle any unforeseen circumstances effectively.
"We anticipate massive gatherings of devotees in the coming days. We have assigned new collector, SP and other experienced officials to effectively oversee the Rath Yatra arrangements," said Majhi, who also conducted a separate consultation with servitors, seeking their vital cooperation for an incident-free festival.
Earlier, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan engaged in detailed discussions with servitors, requesting their support for the orderly conduct of the Rath Yatra's concluding ceremonies. During these discussions, servitors expressed their disappointment, alleging that certain temple officials had branded them as 'unauthorized and ineligible' during Friday's Rath Yatra, thereby preventing their traditional access to the sacred chariots.
"I have taken serious note of this unfortunate incident and extended my sincere apologies to the servitors," Harichandan said.
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