Puri, July 21: Demonstrating a spirit of public service and compassion during the ongoing Rath Yatra celebrations, Puri Police distributed raincoats to sanitation workers and devotees near the Gundicha Temple as continuous rainfall affected the holy city. The initiative was aimed at providing immediate relief to those working tirelessly to keep the temple premises clean and to pilgrims who continued their spiritual journey despite the inclement weather.

The distribution drive was conducted in the vicinity of the Gundicha Temple, one of the most significant locations during the annual Rath Yatra. Thousands of devotees have been visiting the temple to offer prayers to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. With heavy monsoon showers persisting throughout the day, many pilgrims found it difficult to continue their visit comfortably. Recognising the challenges posed by the weather, police personnel stepped forward to distribute raincoats, ensuring that devotees could remain protected while waiting for darshan.

Sanitation workers, who have been working around the clock to maintain cleanliness across the temple area and surrounding roads, were also among the beneficiaries of the initiative. Despite the rain and increasing footfall, these frontline workers have continued to perform their duties with dedication, helping maintain hygiene during one of the country's largest religious gatherings. Police officials acknowledged their invaluable contribution and expressed appreciation for their commitment to public service.

The gesture was warmly welcomed by devotees, many of whom praised the police for extending assistance beyond their routine law-and-order responsibilities. Several pilgrims said the raincoats provided much-needed protection from the continuous downpour and reflected the administration's concern for the welfare of visitors attending the festival.

Puri has been witnessing intermittent to heavy rainfall over the past few days, creating challenges such as waterlogging in certain areas. To ensure that the Rath Yatra festivities continue without disruption, the district administration, Puri Municipal Corporation, Odisha Police, and other government agencies have been working in close coordination. Dewatering pumps have been deployed at vulnerable locations, emergency teams remain on standby, and civic workers have been engaged in clearing drainage channels to prevent the accumulation of rainwater.

Puri Police have also strengthened security and crowd management arrangements around the Gundicha Temple and other important locations associated with the festival. Senior police officers have been conducting regular inspections to monitor the situation, while additional personnel have been deployed to regulate the movement of devotees and maintain public order. Dedicated control rooms and emergency response systems have also been activated to address any unforeseen incidents promptly.

Officials stated that the raincoat distribution initiative reflects the administration's commitment to ensuring that every devotee enjoys a safe and comfortable pilgrimage despite adverse weather conditions. The effort also highlights the importance of recognising the contribution of sanitation workers, whose services remain indispensable during the grand annual festival.

As lakhs of devotees continue to arrive in Puri to participate in the sacred Rath Yatra, the combined efforts of the police, civic authorities, volunteers, and sanitation teams have helped maintain smooth arrangements. The raincoat distribution has emerged as a symbol of care, coordination, and public service, reinforcing the commitment of the administration to safeguarding both devotees and frontline workers throughout the festival.

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