Latest news with #PrithivirajHarichandan
Hans India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Non-servitors banned from climbing chariots
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will take stringent legal action, including arrests, against any non-servitor found climbing the chariots during this year's Rath Yatra in Puri, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Sunday. He also asserted that use of mobile phones on the chariots will be strictly prohibited. Speaking to reporters, Harichandan said, 'No non-servitor will be allowed to climb the chariots. If any such person is found on the chariot, strong action, including arrest, will be taken. Also, servitors will not be allowed to carry mobile phones onto the chariots.' To ensure the timely completion of rituals and maintain discipline during the 'Pahandi Bije' (the ceremonial procession) of the deities, the government has requested a list of servitors designated to perform rituals on Rath Yatra day (June 27). 'The final list will be enforced strictly,' the Minister said. Meanwhile, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania held a meeting here to review the security measures for the Rath Yatra. The road connecting Uttara Square near Bhubaneswar to Puri will be under CCTV surveillance, and efforts are underway to instal CCTV cameras along the Puri-Konark road as well, the DGP said. For the first time, an integrated command and control centre will be set up at the Puri Town Police Station to monitor crowd movement and traffic. 'AI-enabled CCTV cameras are being installed at key locations in Puri for real-time monitoring,' he said. Traffic advisories will be issued from the control room to guide pilgrims and visitors, he added. Besides, a mobile app has been developed through which people will get information about the route through which they will have the convenience to visit Puri during the festival and park their vehicles, he informed. Along with police personnel, rapid action force, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and specialised agencies will be deployed in Puri for the festival, he said, adding, 'We have requested the authorities concerned for deployment of Central forces.' Drones and an anti-drone system will also be deployed in Puri during the Yatra, he added. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja visited Puri on Sunday and took stock of the construction of chariots. 'Chariot construction is progressing as per schedule, and I am confident that it will be completed on time,' he toldreporters.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Non-servitors climbing chariots during Rath Yatra to face arrest: Minister
Bhubaneswar: State govt on Sunday said any devotee disguising themselves as servitors of Puri Jagannath Temple to access the chariots during Rath Yatra on June 27 would face immediate arrest. Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the govt would strictly implement rules preventing non-servitors from boarding chariots during Rath Yatra. The Orissa high court in 2014 restricted chariot access to only duty-bound servitors. "We will ensure that the highest level of discipline is maintained for the smooth conduct of the grand festival that will attract lakhs of devotees. Non-servitors will be booked and arrested if they are found on chariots. Any servitor facilitating the access of unauthorised persons onto chariots will also face legal action," Harichandan said, adding that servitors cannot use mobile phones on chariots like previous years. The minister said the temple authorities are finalising a list of eligible, duty-bound servitors permitted on chariots and during 'Pahandi', an essential ritual involving the transfer of idols of the deities to and from chariots. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "We have requested all nijogs (servitor associations) to shortlist the names of servitors. Our prime objective is to keep the chariots less crowded and maintain discipline," Harichandan said. The announcement follows an incident from July 9, 2024, when Lord Balabhadra's idol slipped from hands of servitors during transfer from the chariot to Gundicha Temple, two days after Rath Yatra. Temple sources attributed the fall to excess number of servitors during Pahandi. Critics said previous attempts to control crowds on chariots and during Pahandi have proved ineffective. "Prior to every Rath Yatra, govt had made such claims. But those decisions and announcements were never translated into action. Servitors in large numbers attended Pahandi and allowed their guests in priestly dresses to climb the chariots for huge monetary gain," claimed Bibhuti Ranjan Mallick, a culture enthusiast in Bhubaneswar. Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) said police complaints were previously lodged against non-servitors for boarding chariots. "We had also got cases registered against a few servitors for assisting devotees to get access to chariots. In 2016, an Atlanta-based NRI was arrested for climbing a chariot in the guise of a servitor," an SJTA official said.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Upcoming state highways, expressways to be named after eminent personalities: Min
Cuttack: To honour local heritage and regional pride, works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Thursday announced that all upcoming state highways and expressways will be named after eminent personalities from the respective districts. The announcement was made during a press conference held in Cuttack. The minister said this initiative is part of the govt's broader vision to build regional identity and connect the contributions of local legends with modern infrastructure. "We believe that each region of Odisha has produced great individuals whose legacy must be preserved. By naming roads after them, we are giving people a reason to feel proud and connected to their soil," said Harichandan. "We have set an ambitious target of constructing 6,500 km of state highways and expressways during the 2025–26 financial year. These projects will be undertaken by the Odisha State Highways Authorities," added Harichandan. The minister also said that the first expressway in Odisha will be constructed between Berhampur and Jeypore, enhancing connectivity across the southern belt of the state. This corridor is expected to boost economic activity and ensure smoother transport movement between the districts. "Connectivity is key to development. The Berhampur-Jeypore expressway will be a game-changer for South Odisha, and many such projects are in the pipeline," Harichandan added. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
New Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Rs 5 lakh insurance cover for pilgrims during Rath Yatra
PURI: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration on Monday announced that pilgrims taking part in the Rath Yatra will have a `5 lakh insurance cover against any mishap. The insurance will cover the devotees against mishaps occurring within the municipal area during the period. This was discussed during the Rath Yatra preparation meeting chaired by Law, Works and Excise minister Prithiviraj Harichandan here. Around 1.5 million devotees are expected to turn out for the annual festival and adequate arrangements have been made for them by the administration. Health minister Mukesh Mahaling said pilgrims should not worry about COVID-19 as the present variant is a mild version, and there are only 49 reported cases (34 active) in the state. However, he advised people with COVID-19 symptoms to not attend the festival. For the festival, over 300 doctors will be posted at several hospitals in Puri to provide health care services. Air-conditioned rooms would be made available for sunstroke victims at primary health centres and other hospitals, besides necessary treatment. Chief administrator of SJTA Arabinda Padhee informed that construction of the three chariots at the construction yard is proceeding as per the schedule.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Metro project will be built underground: Minister
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday announced major infrastructural developments in capital city, including plans for a mega Odisha Mandapam, a 10,000-seater convention centre, and a significant modification to the Metro rail project, which will now be constructed underground instead of the previously planned elevated route. Speaking on the sidelines of a national seminar on 'Recent Advances in Iconic Building Projects', jointly organised by the public works department and the Indian Building Congress (IBC), the minister also announced plans to build disaster-resilient buildings across the state. "The site for the mega convention centre has been identified in Chandrasekharpur, with the initial feasibility study already completed," Harichandan said. Regarding the Metro project modification, he added, "An elevated Metro is not feasible for Bhubaneswar, which prompted us to reconsider its design and opt for an underground concept similar to other Indian cities." The national seminar brought together experts and policymakers from across India to discuss sustainable construction practices. Bijay Chandra Tripathy, chairman of the Odisha chapter of IBC, said that the seminar's outcomes would be submitted to the govt for consideration, adding that they would 'collaborate with the state govt in achieving sustainable construction practices'. Marking a significant milestone, the seminar is the first national-level IBC event in Bhubaneswar in two decades. Manoranjan Mishra, former engineer in-chief of the works department and IBC council member, emphasised that the event explored innovative solutions for future infrastructure development. P K Parhi, vice-chairman of IBC's Odisha chapter, noted the overwhelming response from various sectors, including govt bodies, planning authorities, and academic institutions. "After so long, the city has witnessed the national seminar of IBC. It will be important since Bhubaneswar is currently making strides in infrastructure development," he said.
