Odisha Police To Beef Up Security For Puri Rath Yatra: DGP

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police held a preparatory meeting here on Tuesday for the ensuing world famous Rath Yatra scheduled in Puri on July 4.

Talking to mediapersons after presiding over a high-level meeting in the presence of senior police officials, director-general of police (DGP) R.P. Sharma said arrangements are being made to ensure tight security in Puri during the mega festival.

“We held a meeting with the senior officials of the Indian Coast Guard. We will have subsequent meetings with other central forces in this connection.

Referring to the other security measures, the DGP made it clear that under no circumstances will flying of drones over Puri and the Jagannath temple be allowed. “Apart from this, priority will be given to VVIP security and traffic management during the festival,” he said.

The following decisions were taken at the meeting.

—Elaborate security arrangements will be made during the Nabajauban Darshan, Rath Yatra, Bahuda and Sunabesha.

—The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and CRPF personnel will be requisitioned well ahead of time to provide extra security coverage.

—Some senior police officers will be assigned specific duties.

—Bomb disposal squad/handheld metal detectors (HHMD), door frame metal detector (DFMD) and metal detectors will be pressed into service.

—Formation of counterintelligence squad.

—Special emphasis on VVIP security.

—Provision of pilot/escort to the judges of Odisha High Court and Judges of other states.

—Preparation of comprehensive planning and arrangement for uninterrupted communication during the period.

—Provision of cranes/vehicles and other Gadgets in Puri city well ahead of time.

—Prohibition of low flying objects like Helicopters and Drone cameras etc on Badadanda and temple premises on the day of Rath Yatra for security reasons.

—Installation of CCTV and X-Ray baggage scanners.

—Beach patrolling and sea vigil to be intensified.

—Provision of temporary Police Out-posts in different locations of Puri.

—Timely performance of the rituals.

—Sealing of unsafe buildings.

—Restriction on issue of cordon passes and car passes.

—Regulation of Traffic and crowd management.

—Location of parking places.

—Repair of parking places well ahead of time

—Force accommodation.

—Emergent repair of city surveillance system that was damaged during Cyclone Fani.