With barely a week left for Lord Jagannath's car festival, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reviewed the preparations for the annual event at the last coordination committee meeting at Puri.
"Basic facilities for devotees and their safety and security were given due importance at the review meeting," the Chief Minister told reporters after the meeting.
"I hope the Rath Jatra will be held in a smooth manner with the cooperation of all including the Sevayats," Patnaik said.
The meeting discussed issues relating to health, sanitation, communication, electricity, drainage system and security, official sources said adding matters relating to construction of chariots for the June 29 car festival also figured during the discussion.
Law Minister Arun Sahu, Sri Jagannath temple chief administrator Arvind Padhee, Puri MP & MLA, district collector and representatives of servitors' association attended the meeting.
Senior officials of tourism, health, supply and energy departments were also present.
In view of Orissa High Court's verdict on the issue of devotees climbing the chariots and touching the idols, it was decided to hold another meeting soon to finalise a list of people who would be allowed to stay atop the chariots during the rituals, the sources said.
