Keeping in minrd ast year’s tragic incident during the Ulta Rath Yatra in Kumarghat, Unakoti district, where 10 devotees lost their lives due to electrocution, the West Tripura district administration is taking proactive safety measures to prevent any further mishaps. West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar announced that this year, the organizers of the Rath Yatra must ensure that the height of Lord Jagannath’s chariots remains below five feet and emphasize minimizing the use of metal in their construction.
Dr. Kumar stated, “To prevent a recurrence of the Kumarghat tragedy, the Public Works Department (PWD) and Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) will inspect the proposed chariots.” He further explained that TSECL will specifically check transmission lines along the designated routes of the upcoming Rath Yatra festival, which is scheduled to commence on July 7. Additionally, the district administration will deploy ambulances and increase police presence during the event to ensure safety.
During a media briefing on Friday, Dr. Kumar noted, “A total of six organizers are going to participate in this year’s Rath Yatra Festival in West Tripura District, with Jagannath Bari and ISKCON being the prime organizers. A meeting was convened on Thursday with all the stakeholders, including TSECL, PWD, Traffic Police, police, and fire and emergency services, to ensure a safe and accident-free celebration of the Rath Yatra.”
The incident in Kumarghat on June 29, 2023, occurred when a heavily decorated iron chariot came into contact with a high-tension wire, resulting in the tragic loss of ten lives and injuries to 16 others. The district administration’s proactive measures aim to prevent such incidents and prioritize safety during the upcoming festival.
