Puri: Extensive security arrangements have been made by the Odisha Police to ensure the smooth, peaceful, and trouble-free conduct of the world-famous Rath Yatra next week in Puri.
With lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad set to visit the pilgrim town for the annual festival, altogether 15 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and elite Black Cat Commandoes or National Security Guard (NSG) will be deployed as part of the security measures.
This was revealed by Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania after a high-level meeting held in Puri on the security arrangements for the annual car festival.
As many as 13,000 security personnel, including the CAPF will be deployed as part of the enhanced security arrangement for Rath Yatra on July 16
. Altogether 70 police aid posts will be set up in and around Puri during the festival.
A senior police official said that the entire Puri city will be divided into four zones for proper traffic management. At least 45 sections of police personnel will manage traffic. Besides, two traffic control rooms will come up at Kumbharpara and Malatipatpur.
Steps have been taken for the deployment of drones for monitoring traffic flow and as well as congregation of devotees. More than 400 CCTV cameras have been installed on the Grand Road and other places of the town for surveillance purposes.
In order to ensure an incident-free Rath Yatra, a five-tier security arrangement will be in place around the 12th century shrine as well as the three chariots. Similarly, Quick Response Team (QRT) will be deployed on the Grand Road to meet any eventuality.
The DGP said that the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Marine Police will jointly oversee security along the coastline. The Railways have also allocated special trains for the convenience of devotees and the focus is on effective crowd management and smooth conduct of the annual festival.
Additionally, the administration has identified as many as 30 parking sites in Puri to cater to the incoming vehicles. Real time information on traffic movement, rituals of the deities and other safety measures will be disseminated to the devotees through a chat bot, officials said.