(MENAFN- Gulf Times) IANS/Bhubaneswar
The Odisha government yesterday imposed a complete shutdown in Puri district ahead of the Rath Yatra festival.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said that no passenger train and private or public buses other than those carrying government and police personnel and vehicles on emergency services will be allowed into Puri district until 2pm tomorrow.
Director General of Police Abhay said at least 50 platoons of security personnel will be mobilised for the smooth conduct of the festival today.
He appealed to people not to visit Bada Danda (Grand Road) and said all entry points to Puri will be sealed to prevent congregation of people.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in a video conferencing, reviewed preparations for the festival.
He said the Odisha government and the temple administration were fully geared for the festival.
Elaborate preparations have been made for the celebration of the Rath Yatra while strictly adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines.
The chief minister has asked Law Minister Pratap Jena, Health Minister Nabakishore Das, School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Das and deputy chairman of the planning board Sanjay Das Burma to camp at Puri and supervise the Rath Yatra.
He also expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for allowing the Rath Yatra and thanked the central government for extending help.
On June 18, the court had put a stay on the Rath Yatra against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.
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