Bhubaneswar/Sambalpur: Odisha is all set to celebrate Maha Bisuba Sankranti, marking the traditional New Year of the state, and Hanuman Jayanti on Monday (April 14).
On its eve, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Ahuja on Sunday reviewed the security arrangements for smooth conduct of the festivals with DGP YB Khurania, Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, Additional DGP (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar, Director Intelligence RP Koche and Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) Jay Narayan Pankaj.
The IGPs and Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of all ranges, and Collectors and SPs of all 30 districts attended the meeting through video conference.
The Chief Secretary lauded Odisha Police for the incident-free Ram Navami celebrations in Odisha a few days ago. He also emphasised on the repeat of the same during the Hanuman Jayanti celebration.
The DPG directed officials concerned to deploy adequate security forces and install CCTV cameras in sensitive districts to keep an eye on the anti-social elements. Senior police officials were advised to respond promptly to any subversive activity. They have been told to keep tabs on various social media platforms for objectionable and inflammatory posts that could incite unrest. The district-level cyber cells have been asked to maintain round-the-clock surveillance in this regard.
The meeting also stressed proper patrolling and action against drunk and rash driving during the celebrations.The SPs were asked to deploy adequate security personnel during religious processions.
This year’s Hanuman Jayanti observance assumes significance after a yearlong prohibition on religious celebrations in the aftermath of 2023 communal violence in Sambalpur, which resulted in a 10-day-long curfew. The festival is also being conducted under the maiden BJP government, known for its Hindutav ideology, in the state.
TIGHT SECURITY
Around 200 platoons of security forces have been deployed across the state. Flag marches Are also being conducted in sensitive areas to establish a sense of security ahead of the festival.
“Around 10 companies of Central Armed Police Force, including 3 companies of Rapid Action Force have also been stationed in areas considered sensitive or those prone to disturbances. 40 drones are being used and 600 CCTV cameras installed in major towns and cities to bolster surveillance,” said ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar.
Police personnel in plain clothes have been deployed along with mobile vehicles to carry out on-ground monitoring discreetly. Every district has been equipped with a modern control room to coordinate the activities and respond swiftly to emergencies, he said.
“Barricades have been put up in sensitive zones, and special body-worn cameras will be attached to police personnel involved in crowd control to ensure better monitoring and accountability. The department will take strict action against anyone found disturbing public order,” Kumar said, citing directives issued by the DGP.
Meanwhile, Sambalpur is under a heightened state of alert with 58 platoons of forces deployed throughout the city. A flag march was conducted on Saturday evening through sensitive areas in the city, led by IG (northern range) Himanshu Lal and SP Mukesh Bhamoo.
“Twenty special vehicles equipped with PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras have also been dispatched to Sambalpur, providing real-time feeds directly to the police headquarters,” the ADG said.
Bhamoo had earlier mentioned about deployment of 10 companies of central forces – five companies of BSF, two companies of CRPF and three companies of RAF – along with the district police in the city, which is under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. Police have also intensified border patrolling to ensure a peaceful observance of the festival.
The celebration is scheduled to begin from 5 pm onwards from Ram temple in Khetrajpur, with rallies starting from six places including Dhankauda, Dhanupali, Ainthapali, Sakhipara, Remed, Bareipali, and Badabazar. Over 26 different groups, along with several artist troupes, are expected to participate in the grand procession.
“We are expecting more than 60,000 during Hanuman Jayanti for which adequate arrangements have been made,” the SP added.
Arrangements will also be made for oral rehydration salts (ORS), drinking water, and ambulance services to assist the public and ensure the wellbeing of personnel on duty in the view of the heatwave conditions.
