Puri, June 3: With the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026 expected to draw lakhs of devotees, the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services has stepped up preparations to ensure a safe and well-managed celebration in the pilgrim town of Puri.
As part of the safety arrangements, around 1,500 fire services personnel and 500 trained lifeguards will be deployed across key locations, including the Grand Road, temple premises, beach areas, and other high-footfall zones.
Director General of Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi conducted a detailed review of preparedness measures and assessed arrangements for crowd management, emergency response, and disaster mitigation.
Authorities have drawn up a comprehensive contingency plan to handle multiple scenarios, including heavy rainfall, extreme heat, and medical emergencies during the festival. Dewatering pumps will be stationed at vulnerable points to manage possible waterlogging, while fire tenders will be used for water sprinkling along the Grand Road to provide relief to devotees in case of high temperatures.
Officials said the focus remains on ensuring a smooth, safe, and well-coordinated Rath Yatra experience, given the massive influx of pilgrims from across India and abroad. Coordination between multiple agencies, including disaster response teams, police, and health services, has been strengthened to manage the large gatherings effectively.
The preparations underline the state’s commitment to safeguarding devotees while maintaining the sanctity and smooth conduct of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
