Odisha Gears Up for Ratha Yatra with Boosted Health, Water & Food Safety Measures

Bhubaneswar/Puri: In preparation for the upcoming Ratha Yatra festival and amid growing concerns over water-borne diseases, a high-level meeting was convened at the Special Circuit House in Puri to review and strengthen public health measures.

The meeting, held under the direction of Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and chaired by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, focused on ensuring access to clean drinking water, safe food, and maintaining sanitation and hygiene across the city during the annual festival, which draws massive crowds.

To ensure water safety, authorities will conduct random testing of samples from public and private water sources, including overhead tanks and tube wells. A mobile Lab-on-Wheel will be deployed to carry out immediate on-site water testing. Ongoing disinfection efforts are being scaled up as part of the preparations.

Food safety is also a major focus. Food Safety Officers will inspect restaurants, hotels, and roadside vendors, with additional personnel to be deployed during the festival to expand surveillance. Awareness campaigns on safe drinking water and hygienic food practices will be run by Puri Municipality through loudspeaker announcements and the distribution of IEC (Information, Education, Communication) materials.

In a bid to control mosquito breeding and vector-borne diseases, Puri Municipality has engaged an agency using drones to spray repellents in high-risk and hard-to-reach areas.

Additionally, eight Executive Officers and seven Engineers have been posted in Puri to support the ground-level implementation of health and sanitation measures. WATCO’s Director (Operations) will oversee and coordinate water supply and sewerage systems.

Principal Secretary Usha Padhee reiterated the government’s commitment to public health and sanitation during the festival. “Ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims and residents during Ratha Yatra is our top priority. All departments will work in close coordination to uphold the highest hygiene standards,” she said.