An emergency preparedness drill (mock drill) was conducted by Puri Police at the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in the pilgrimage town of Odisha on Wednesday to evaluate the efficiency of providing medical aid to devotees in emergency situations.

The exercise simulated an incident when a male devotee lost consciousness and felt uneasy inside the Natamandap in the forenoon, prompting swift action from the temple staff.

A police team was quick to respond, ensuring the safe removal of the individual from the temple premises through Uttara Dwar (northern gate), utilising a stretcher. The person was then transported by ambulance to the main hospital in Puri for medical attention.

“A male devotee was immediately rescued after he became unconscious inside the temple premises due to excessive heat and was carried on a stretcher to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Puri for treatment during emergency. The mock drill was conducted to help verify the preparedness for such situations,” a member of the police team said.

“Two advanced parties (separate teams of cops) were engaged for crowd clearance during the exercise. A large crowd is expected during Chandan Jatra festivities. We will remain vigilant during the rituals to attend to devotees,” the policeman stated.

“There was a huge gathering in Natamandap. More devotees could throng the shrine during Snana Jatra and Ratha Jatra celebrations. Police personnel are attending to the devotees and also managing smooth Darshan of the deities,” a female devotee expressed.

Notably, Akshaya Tritiya was observed, and Chandan Jatra festivities began today.