Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has made elaborate security arrangements under CCTV surveillance, focusing on women’s safety, traffic management, and crowd control at major pandals, to ensure the smooth conduct of Durga Puja festivities at pandals in the Odisha capital.
A total of 61 platoons of police force – three platoons of Central Armed Police Force, 20 platoons of Home Guards, and a Special Tactical Unit for anti-terror operations – have been deployed across the city. Additionally, HER (Shakti) teams will be on standby to address women’s safety concerns promptly, according to Twin City Commissioner of Police (CP) S Dev Datta Singh.
For better supervision and to avoid disputes among Puja Committees, three DCP-rank officers have been mobilized from CP Headquarters. Plain-clothes police personnel will also be stationed at some of the busiest pandals like Nayapalli Mandap, Saheed Nagar, Rasulgarh, Old Station Bazaar, Bomikhal, and Baramunda to watch over revellers and to step in at the first sign of trouble.
These apart, CCTV cameras have been installed in all pandals to prevent snatching, theft, and other anti-social activities.
In total, there are 193 pandals this year and among these, Maa Durga idols at 24 pandals are adorned with gold and silver ornaments. Armed policemen have been deployed to secure these high-value pandals.
To handle traffic congestion, the police have drawn up a detailed plan. Vehicles parked illegally will be towed with the help of drones monitoring the movement, the CP said.
He further stated that ground-level operations are ongoing to curb illegal arms, enforcement violations, and drug trafficking, while keeping miscreants in check. Temporary control rooms have been established to handle emergencies.
“Necessary arrangements have also been made with Fire Services teams. A medical unit with first-aid facilities will remain present at Traffic P.S-1, Bhubaneswar, in case of any emergency. Separate arrangements have been made for cultural programmes. Security arrangements have also been ensured for mosques and churches. Dedicated photographer/videography team has been deployed at police control room. The Special Tactical Unit (STU) has been deployed to counter any possible radical threats,” a police release said.
Organisers have also been asked to rope in enough volunteers and private security to keep pandals manageable when footfall peaks.
The Commissionerate Police has appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and celebrate the festival in a safe and peaceful manner.