Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, June 22: The state government Monday formed a crack team comprising four ministers to supervise the preparedness for the oncoming Rath Yatra next month.
What has, however, surprised many is that the team has, as one of its members, law minister Arun Kumar Sahu whose role in the just concluded ‘Brahma Parivartan’ botch-up has drawn flak.
Following massive criticism from all quarters over the delayed ritual, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday asked the ministers to camp in Puri and ensure the festival July 18 passes off smoothly.
Besides Sahu, the team comprises housing and urban development minister Pushpendra Singdeo, energy minister Pranab Prakash Das and health and family welfare minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak. They have been directed to expedite works of their departments, BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb said.
“The state government has undertaken different woks on health, sanitation, drainage, drinking water, road communication while the Centre is expanding rail network to the holy town ahead of the festival. We hope that 95 per cent of the infrastructure work will be completed by first week of July,” Deb said.
Sources said the CM’s direction came in the wake of unforeseen delay in performance of ‘Brahma Paribartan’ (transfer of soul substance) ritual of the Lords June 15.
The holy event was delayed by almost half a day. This was conducted in broad daylight June 16 in gross violation of the age-old tradition of performing it in the dead of night as per the record of rights (RoR) of the temple, June 15.
Reliable sources said the Chief Minister came down heavily on the officials responsible for the botch-up. The law department, which is entrusted with the management of the Puri temple, was taken to task. Patnaik directed the law minister to take all steps required to prevent further hiccups.
The state government expects a congregation of about 30lakh people on ‘Rath Yatra’ day July 18. Keeping in view the massive crowds during ‘Rath Yatra’, the CM has directed cancellation of leaves of government officials engaged in Rath Yatra duty.
As per the CM’s order, officials will be allowed leave only with prior permission of the Chief Secretary. The CS has been entrusted with the task of making surprise visits to Puri to review the preparedness as it progresses.