While lakhs of devotees thronged Puri to witness the world-famous Rath Yatra, another remarkable effort unfolded behind the scenes. With over 10 lakh devotees gathering
in the holy city, the Grand Road (Bada Danda) and surrounding areas were left covered with massive amounts of waste. Despite continuous rain and challenging weather conditions, the Puri Municipal Corporation (PMC) launched an overnight mega cleanliness drive to restore the city's sanctity. Around 150 sanitation workers, supported by 15 JCB machines and 20 tractors, worked relentlessly for nearly six hours through the night, clearing garbage from the Grand Road and other key locations. Their dedication ensured that Bada Danda was completely cleaned before the next day's chariot-pulling rituals, allowing devotees to continue the sacred festival in a clean and hygienic environment. The extraordinary effort drew praise from Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, who commended the leadership of PMC Commissioner and young IAS officer Sneha Argula. In a post on X, Padhee appreciated her meticulous planning, effective coordination, and unwavering commitment despite adverse weather. "Very well done, Sneha. Despite the inclement weather, the PMC team did a fantastic job. Your planning, coordination, and dedication ensured that everything was managed smoothly. Please convey my appreciation to the entire team. Keep up the excellent work!" he wrote. A devotee from Delhi, visiting Puri after 12 years, shared his heartfelt experience, saying the city's transformation was beyond his expectations. He praised the remarkable cleanliness during Rath Yatra, describing Puri as 'magical' and adding, "I never expected to see the city this clean and well-managed. The experience has been truly unforgettable." An out-of-state devotee thanked the Puri Municipality for maintaining exceptional cleanliness during Rath Yatra, saying "the city's clean and well-managed environment made the pilgrimage even more memorable." The overnight sanitation drive stands as a shining example of teamwork, dedication, and efficient civic management, ensuring that the spiritual grandeur of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra was matched by a clean and welcoming Puri for millions of devotees.
