Year after tragedy, Tripura sets safety norms for chariot fest

Agartala: West Tripura district administration on Friday implemented new safety protocols for the upcoming Rath Yatra this year. This is in the wake of last year’s tragic incident during the return journey of the Rath Yatra in Kumarghat in Tripura’s Unakoti district, where 10 devotees lost their lives due to electrocution and 16 others were injured when a heavily decorated iron chariot came into contact with a high-tension wire.
A crucial directive among these measures is to maintain the height of Lord Jagannath’s chariots below five meters.

A comprehensive meeting was convened with various stakeholders, including the public works department, Tripura State Electricity Corporation, Tripura Police, traffic police and health department.
West Tripura district magistrate Vishal Kumar emphasised the state govt’s determination to prevent any incidents this year, adding, “We are determined to avoid any incidents this year and have taken all necessary precautions.”
The PWD and TSECL have been tasked with inspecting the proposed chariots, with TSECL focusing on the transmission lines along the Rath Yatra route. The height of the chariots is limited to five meters, and authorities will ensure minimal use of metal in their construction. Furthermore, police escorts, ambulances and fire and emergency services will accompany the chariots throughout the event to ensure the safety of all participants.
Kumar said the Yatra will be held in Agartala from July 7 to 16. “Six organisations, including temples such as Jagannath Bari and ISKCON, will be a part of the event,” he added.
“So far no one has been arrested. We have filed a chargesheet against nine in court but they are currently out on bail,” a senior official said about the last year’s incident.