Kolkata, July 1 (IANS) Ahead of the Jagannath Rath Yatra on July 16, Kolkata Police have directed all police stations to map routes of the processions and hold meetings with organisers to prevent any law and order issues.

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the police stations will have to hold meetings with the Rath Yatra organisers in this regard, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said on Wednesday.

Lalbazar (Kolkata Police headquarters) also ordered that the Rath Yatra fairs must be held smoothly and directed the police stations to maintain law and order during the processions. This year, Rath Yatra will be held on July 16.

As per the directive, each Officer-in-Charge (OC) must identify the routes used for the processions, check whether any new Rath Yatras are being organised, and coordinate with organisers—including those organised by local residents or families. Police may accompany the processions, if required.

In some places, Rath Yatras are organised by the local residents, while at many places a few families organise them separately.

Police stations have also been asked to assess road conditions along the routes and coordinate with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to repair any damaged stretches in advance.

A list of Rath fairs is to be prepared, with adequate deployment of forces to maintain law and order.

Ratha-yatra is a week-long festival in West Bengal. Many people gather to pull long ropes called ‘Roshi’, tied to the holy chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Balarama and Subhadra.

Kolkata Rath Yatra festival is the first festivity of the Monsoon season, dedicated to Jagannath, an avatar of Vishnu.

Separately, the Police Commissioner has instructed officers to begin preliminary assessments for Durga Puja preparations at the same time, including reviewing past disputes, identifying current organisers, and flagging any changes in club management that could lead to issues.

–IANS

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