Bhubaneswar: As lakhs of devotees and tourists prepare to welcome 2026 at religious sites and beaches across Odisha, the state police have unveiled an extensive security operation dubbed “Mission Suraksha 2026,” emphasising a “Zero-Tolerance, Maximum-Safety” approach.
The initiative covers seven key districts including Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapada. A total of 150 police platoons will be deployed across these areas, with the heaviest concentration —60 platoons— in Puri, where hotels are fully booked and long queues are already forming at Shree Jagannath Temple.
DIG Central Range Satyajit Naik, held a preparatory meeting with the SP on Saturday to review the arrangements. “Our priority is to ensure a balance between celebration and safety. Special crowd regulation will be done at Shree Jagannath Temple, Biraja Temple (Jajpur) and Baldevjew Temple (Kendrapada),” the DIG said, adding that the deployment includes Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, Special Tactical Units, and 179 lifeguards for beach and water body vigilance.
High-footfall zones like Puri beach and Kantilo Nilamadhab will be monitored via high-definition CCTV and drones.
In view of recent concerns over crimes against women in tourist spots, intensified patrolling and plainclothes women officers will be stationed in vulnerable areas – Puri Blue Flag Beach, Siali Sea Beach, Paradeep, Chilika and Bhitarkanika – to curb public nuisance.
To tackle road safety, round-the-clock checkpoints will enforce strict measures against drunken driving and overspeeding. One-way traffic systems, designated parking zones, and highway interceptors will help manage congestion, while mobile bike and van patrols will assist travellers on longer routes.
Crackdowns on narcotics and illicit liquor trade have also been prioritised. “This year, we are not just managing crowds — we are ensuring every visitor returns home safe,” Naik emphasised.
Meanwhile In Puri…
Elaborate arrangements have been made amid anticipation of heavy footfall at both the 12th-century shrine and the beach, two most popular destinations in Puri. Authorities anticipate over five lakh visitors in Puri alone on New Year’s Eve, though some estimates suggest 3.5 to 4 lakh devotees specifically at the Jagannath Temple on January 1.
Puri SP Prateek Singh emphasised that foolproof crowd control measures have been put in place inside and outside the temple to prevent untoward incidents. “People are thronging Puri for holidaying. We are ready with a foolproof crowd control plan. Officers are deployed at all four entrances to the shrine. Safety of visitors and hassle-free darshan remain our top priorities,” Singh added.
Devotees will be properly frisked before being allowed entry into the shrine due to heightened security concerns. Senior officers have been tasked with preparing contingency plans to deal with emergencies, including stampedes or natural hazards.
Additional police personnel will be deployed for patrolling the sea beach with lifeguards stationed at strategic points to prevent drowning cases. “Tourists must feel secure both at the temple and on the beach. We urge tourists to take the assistance of lifeguards while bathing in the sea,” the SP added.
Similar deployments have been made at Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga beach and Satapada.
