Puri, July 9 -- With lakhs of devotees expected for the upcoming Rath Yatra, the Puri Fire Station has strengthened its emergency preparedness with the deployment of a state-of-the-art Multi-Purpose Articulated Water Tower.

Officials said the new equipment will be crucial in handling a range of emergencies, from extreme heat to major fire incidents during the festival.

The modern tower can extend up to 31 metres in height and rotate 360 degrees, giving fire personnel wider coverage across Bada Danda and nearby high-rise buildings.

In case of intense heat or high humidity on the day of Rath Yatra, the tower can spray water in a fine mist from above. Officials said this will provide temporary relief to devotees gathered on Bada Danda.

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