Puri (Odisha) [India], July 9 (ANI): In preparation for the influx of devotees attending the upcoming Rath Yatra, the Puri Fire Station has enhanced its emergency response capabilities by deploying a high-tech Multi-Purpose Articulated Water Tower.
Officials noted that this advanced equipment will be essential for managing various emergencies, including extreme heat and significant fire incidents during the festival.
The innovative tower boasts a height of 31 meters and features a 360-degree rotation, enabling fire crews to cover a broader area, including Bada Danda and adjacent high-rise structures.
On days of high temperatures or humidity during the Rath Yatra, the tower is capable of misting water from above, offering temporary relief to the large crowds gathered on Bada Danda.
Additionally, the tower will be instrumental in combating fires, allowing high-pressure water to be directed into upper floors or through windows of buildings, thereby aiding in containing fires and minimizing damage.
‘During Rath Yatra, Bada Danda witnesses a huge gathering. This can lead to heat-related illnesses or fire emergencies. The new tower enables the fire brigade to respond swiftly,’ officials stated.
Prabhat Rout, an officer at the Puri Fire Station, described this deployment as a significant advancement for the department.
‘The Multi-Purpose Articulated Water Tower is transformative for our operations. It will assist us in everything from heat protection to firefighting in taller buildings,’ Rout remarked.
Authorities emphasized that these improved fire safety measures are designed to safeguard devotees participating in one of Odisha’s largest religious events.
On Wednesday, the Puri District Administration, along with specialized security forces and disaster management teams, carried out an extensive security and emergency response drill in the town.
Earlier this week, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that over 300 special trains will be operational for the annual Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath in Odisha, in addition to more than 100 special trains for the Onam festival in Kerala.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Vaishnaw also evaluated the preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, marking the occasion by launching the Puri-Koraput train at the local railway station.
‘I visited the Puri station today; it has been beautifully designed with architecture inspired by Lord Jagannath. Other stations are also undergoing similar enhancements,’ he noted.
The Railway Minister further discussed arrangements being made to facilitate the large number of devotees attending the Rath Yatra.
‘Devotees from around the world join the holy Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, and the Railways is ensuring special provisions for them. This year, we are establishing holding areas to comfortably accommodate about 30,000 passengers,’ he explained.
‘Amenities will include high-quality restrooms and ticket counters arranged in a zigzag pattern to reduce congestion and ensure a smooth flow of attendees. A control room will be set up for coordination between civil and railway police, with over 300 special trains operating alongside more than 800 regular trains, totaling over 1,100 trains,’ he added.
