Odisha Once Again Shows Its Disaster Management Skills During Rath Yatra Stampede With AI And Proper Planning

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a number of occasions has praised the disaster response of Odisha on public platforms.

- RAKESH SINGH

The same intent of the state's disaster management was again on display after the recent incident of stampede at the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri.

The Odisha Police minimized the disruptions despite the stampede and brought the Rath Yatra back to normal and the Rath Yatra was concluded without further damages.

The Rath Yatra this year highlighted exemplary leadership in action by Odisha DGP Y B Khurania's masterful management.

The Puri Rath Yatra, one of the world's largest religious festivals, draws millions to Puri for the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

Managing this colossal event demands meticulous planning, seamless coordination and exceptional leadership. This year, the DGP Khurania displayed unparalleled leadership, ensuring the festival's success through innovative technology, strategic collaboration and on-ground presence.

He set a new benchmark for crowd management and public safety. This article highlights seven key aspects of DGP Khurania's leadership during the 2025 Puri Rath Yatra.

The state also took pioneering AI-driven traffic management for the first time. Khurania had introduced AI-equipped CCTV cameras for traffic management, a groundbreaking step for the Rath Yatra.