In a press briefing after the state cabinet meeting chaired by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, spokesperson minister Rushikesh Patel stated that a total of 209 processions, including 136 Rath Yatras and 73 other ‘Shobha yatras’ of Lord Jagannath, will be organised across the state on July 7.
In addition, another meeting was held under the chairmanship of the CM, which was attended by Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary Raj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department A K Rakesh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Pankaj Joshi, Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, and other senior officials.
Speaking on the upcoming Rathyatra in the state, CM Patel said, “The police and the local civic body must be vigilant so that people do not take shelter in old and dilapidated buildings or dangerous buildings for ‘darshan’ of the Lord. There will be sufficient police deployment at such points to ensure public safety in this matter.”
Authoritative vigilance for safe and peaceful Rathyatra 2024
He further added, “The state government has ensured that the Rath Yatra will be completed in a peaceful and secure atmosphere in the entire state. Sensitive areas covered by the Rath Yatra route are monitored closely by the police department.”
SRPF (State Reserve Police Force), Home Guard, GRD (Gram Rakshak Dal), and TRB (Traffic Brigade Force) teams have also been deployed to ensure the Rath Yatra ends smoothly on the 18 km long route in Ahmedabad.
In addition, the authorities met with the ‘peace committees’ and ‘mohalla committees’ to ensure representatives of different religions and volunteers remain present to assist during the Rath Yatra.
Heavy police deployment to ensure security
Commissioner Malik said that a total of more than 18,700 security personnel from the IG (Inspector General) to the police personnel grade will be on their toes.
In addition, about 4,500 police personnel will join the Rath Yatra in moving wagons, ensuring the security of chariots, trucks, akharas, bhajan mandalis, and priests.
Under the leadership of the Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP) of the Traffic Branch, 1,931 jawans will be deployed to prevent traffic congestion and ensure smooth traffic management throughout the yatra.
Medical teams will be kept on standby at three Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) hospitals and the two civil hospitals for rapid services in case of any medical emergency. In addition, immediate treatment will be available at five urban health centres as well.
It has also been ensured that 11 108 Emergency Services and 5 AMC ambulances will be available in the Rath Yatra at all times.