Odisha authorities ban cooked food and boost sanitation for Puri Rath Yatra

The Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department has prohibited the distribution of cooked food along Puri’s Bada Danda for the upcoming Rath Yatra, allowing only dry food items to be handed out to devotees. Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee visited the city, reviewed preparations, and directed officials to prioritize sanitation, public‑health facilities, street lighting and parking management.

Authorities have cleaned and desilted all major drains, identified 30 flood‑prone spots and deployed high‑capacity pumps to prevent water‑logging during monsoon rains. Twenty‑four designated parking zones have been set up and information boards installed to guide pilgrims to authorised food kiosks, clean drinking water and medical services. Strict fines will be imposed for violations of cleanliness norms.