Kolkata Police are gearing up for the upcoming Jagannath Rath Yatra scheduled for July 16. Ahead of the event, all police stations have been instructed to map out procession routes and conduct meetings with organizers to ensure smooth proceedings.
Officers-in-Charge (OC) of the police stations will engage in discussions with Rath Yatra organizers as part of the preparations, as per a senior Kolkata Police official. Additionally, Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters, has mandated that the Rath Yatra fairs be conducted without any disruptions, emphasizing the maintenance of law and order during the processions.
In line with the directives, each OC is tasked with identifying procession routes, monitoring the organization of new Rath Yatras, and collaborating with organizers, including local residents or families hosting the events. Police presence may be required to accompany the processions for security purposes.
Notably, Rath Yatras are organized by local residents in some areas, while in others, they are arranged by individual families. Furthermore, police stations have been directed to evaluate road conditions along the routes and coordinate with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to address any road damages beforehand.
Preparations also include compiling a list of Rath fairs and ensuring adequate deployment of forces to uphold law and order during the festivities. The Rath Yatra festival, a week-long celebration in West Bengal, involves crowds pulling long ropes called ‘Roshi’ attached to the sacred chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balarama, and Subhadra.
The Kolkata Rath Yatra marks the commencement of the Monsoon season, honoring Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu. Additionally, the Police Commissioner has directed officers to initiate preliminary assessments for Durga Puja arrangements concurrently, focusing on past issues, current organizers, and any club management changes that could potentially lead to conflicts.
