Bhubaneswar: With less than ten days left for the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri, elaborate arrangements are being made by the Odisha Police with plan to put in place a three-tier security system to ensure smooth and orderly conduct of the annual festival.
As part of the comprehensive security plan finalised at a high-level coordination meeting chaired by Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania, concrete steps have been taken to ensure effective surveillance across land, water and air.
In order to counter potential threats, including possible terror strike, joint sea patrolling will be carried out by the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and marine police units. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will be deployed on vessels, while advanced drone and anti-drone systems will monitor and neutralise aerial threats, officials said.
This apart, deployment strategies for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), National Security Guard (NSG) teams, and NSG Quick Response units were also worked out at the meeting.
The DGP stressed the need for enhanced coordination among the Odisha Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Indian Coast Guard to ensure seamless security man
agement during the festival.
It was decided to intensify anti-sabotage checks at key locations, with strict surveillance on suspicious activities. Bomb Disposal Squads and sniffer dog teams will remain on high alert to respond swiftly to emergencies.
Arrangements have also been made for the deployment of security vehicles near the temple, K-9 squads, NSG-trained Special Operations Group (SOG) teams, and Special Tactical Unit (STU) personnel.
Adequate measures are also being taken for effective crowd management, traffic regulation, and emergency response systems. Special arrangements will be made to prevent stampedes, ensure orderly chariot pulling, install barricades, and facilitate smooth darshan for devotees.
Officials said strict action will be taken against habitual offenders involved in theft, pickpocketing, and robbery, especially in trains and railway stations. Photographs of identified criminals will be displayed at key public locations and shared with the RPF for monitoring.
Special drives will be conducted across police station areas in Puri to curb crime. Intensive checks will be carried out at hotels, lodges, mutts, temples, bus stands, railway stations, labour accommodations, and dharamshalas.
Apart from senior officials of Odisha Police, the meeting was attended by representatives from central agencies such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Indian Coast Guard,
Meanwhile, security agencies carried out an anti-terror mock drill in Puri to assess preparedness against any possible security threat.
Sources said the exercise simulated a terrorist attack scenario and tested the response capabilities of security personnel and emergency teams at the Bada Danda near Shree Jagannath Temple in the pilgrim town.