Puri (Odisha): In a bid to ensure public safety and efficient management of the Ratha Yatra 2025, the Puri district administration has implemented AI-powered CCTV surveillance systems along the yatra route. With lakhs of devotees gathering to witness the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, heightened security measures have been put in place to handle the scale and intensity of the event.
Speaking to ANI, Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Dayal Gangwar, stated that the AI-based surveillance systems are greatly aiding in crowd monitoring and traffic control.
“Yesterday, devotees followed the traffic restrictions and traffic regulation plan, and the same will remain in place today… The AI system is greatly assisting us,” said Gangwar, while appealing to the public to continue cooperating with authorities.
To bolster security, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been deployed in Puri. The move comes as a precautionary step considering the massive footfall and possible emergencies during the festival.
NDRF Deputy Commandant Naveen Rana informed, “Our personnel are trained to handle all situations, including medical emergencies or structure collapses. We conducted four mock drills with the district administration.”
District officials confirmed that all rituals of the Rath Yatra are being carried out as per schedule.
Puri District Magistrate Siddharth Swain said, “The yatra route is full of devotees. All rituals will be conducted on time. Police have been deployed since last night. This time, NDRF has also been deployed. Yesterday, we removed 6-7 illegal drones. Flying of drones over Shri Jagannath Temple and the Gundicha Temple is not allowed.”
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, a centuries-old tradition, commenced on Friday as the deities journeyed from the Shri Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they will stay for a week before returning.
Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad witnessed the procession and participated in pulling the majestic chariots. Devotees flocked to the coastal town to get a glimpse of the deities atop their ornately decorated chariots.
Extending his greetings on the occasion, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said:
“Join the Rath Yatra with faith and devotion, witness the divine glimpse of Mahaprabhu atop the chariot, and receive His blessings.”