Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: As the clock ticks down to midnight, the Commissionerate Police in Odisha’s twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have rolled out stringent measures to ensure peaceful and incident-free New Year revelry, drawing from statewide directives emphasising discipline and safety.
Music and entertainment at venues have capped until midnight, with a complete ban on DJ performances and loud music thereafter. No parties in bars, clubs, or public spaces will be permitted beyond 12 am on December 31, aligning with a zero-tolerance policy for post-midnight disturbances.
Event organisers were asked to secure prior police permission, providing details such as artist line-ups, expected crowd size, and venue capacity. Fire services are on high alert, and hotels, bars, and restaurants have been mandated to implement robust security protocols, including crowd control and safe dispersal of guests.
Police have also prohibited roadside gatherings, public stages,
and unauthorised celebrations even in private apartments or colonies.
To bolster law and order, around 18 platoons of police personnel will be deployed across Bhubaneswar, with a similar force of 15 platoons plus 200 home guards mobilised in Cuttack. Quick response teams will patrol strategic locations after midnight to handle any untoward situation and breathalyzer-equipped checkpoints will operate round-the-clock, targeting drunk driving.
To enforce compliance, intensive vehicle checks and patrolling will commence from 12.30 am, with barricades at key intersections like Master Canteen, KIIT Square, Jayadev Vihar, and others. Watch teams will conduct checks at 29 major intersections. Special security arrangements have also been made at high-footfall areas, including tourist spots such as Nandankanan Zoo, Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli, and Khandagiri, anticipating a surge in visitors. “Intensive and continuous patrolling shall be ensured in and around celebration venues, connecting roads, and sensitive areas, including parks, restaurants, colleges, slum areas, and other isolated locations. Special attention shall be given to the safety and free movement of women and children,” a notification issued by the Commissionerate Police read.
Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh has urged citizens to celebrate responsibly, warning of legal action against violations.