No immediate Covid-related curbs on Rath Yatra: Health min
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Bhubaneswar: Amid a fresh surge in Covid cases across the country, the state govt on Monday indicated that the upcoming Rath Yatra on June 27 in Puri, expected to attract lakhs of devotees, faces no immediate restriction on public participation.
After a high-level Rath Yatra preparatory meeting in Puri, health minister Mukesh Mahaling said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will follow the central govt's protocols as required.
Mahaling assured that the govt is well-prepared for the grand festival. "We are continuously monitoring the Covid situation and as of now, there are no alarming indicators that would affect Rath Yatra celebrations.
There is no need to panic," Mahaling said, adding that the latest Covid sub-variants are 'weak'.
The announcement came as a relief to devotees after the grand festival was conducted without public participation in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
According to the minister, Covid situation is under control in Odisha. The state has so far recorded 49 Covid cases in the latest wave with the count of active cases currently at 37.
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"While there are no restrictions currently, the govt will remain vigilant and adapt to any changes in the Covid situation," Mahaling added.
"We will strictly follow any protocols advised by the central govt. The safety of devotees remains our top priority. We urge devotees to take basic health precautions during the festival," Mahaling said, adding that people with underlying health issues should stay away from crowded places.
He further said, "Our preparation involves comprehensive healthcare facilities and emergency response systems for devotees. At least 300 doctors will be on stand-by in Puri from Rath Yatra on June 27 to Bahuda Yatra on July 5. Adequate number of temporary ICUs and heatstroke wards will be set up at the Puri district headquarters hospital."
Local health officials have confirmed that medical teams will be stationed along the Grand Road where the chariot procession takes place.
"We will have multiple medical kiosks, ambulances and healthcare professionals ready to address any emergencies," the minister said.
Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said that about 80% of Rath Yatra preparations is complete, expressing hope that the remaining work will be finished before the festival. He said that the progress of the work is being reviewed by ministers of departments concerned.
"We are hopeful that the Lord's blessings and coordination of all departments, servitors and Puri locals will result in an incident-free Rath Yatra," the law minister said.
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