Puri: In view of visit of devotees in large number to Odisha’s Puri on New Year Day, elaborate arrangements have been made for them to have smooth darshan of deities in Jagannath temple.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), district administration, servitors and police department held a review meeting on the arrangements for the devotees on Saturday.
It was revealed at the meeting that an air-conditioned shed with sitting arrangements, toilets and drinking water facilities have been made on ‘Badadanda’ (Grand Road) for the convenience of devotees. Around 50 volunteers will be deployed to escort senior citizens and differently-abled persons into the shrine.
In order to ensure security of the devotees and enable hassle-free entry into the 12th century temple, adequate police force will be deployed. Total 90 platoons of police led by 20 DSPs and 50 Inspectors will look after law and order in the town on the day. Adequate number of lifeguards will be deployed on the sea beach for the security of the tourists.
In order to regulate vehicular traffic, the stretch from Market Square to ‘Singhadwar’ (Lions Gate) of the temple on the Grand Road has been declared as no-vehicle zone. Similarly, no vehicular traffic will be allowed from Digabareni to Lighthouse on the Marine Drive from December 31 to January 2.
All tourist buses coming to Puri will be parked at Malatipatpur on the outskirts of the town. All light vehicles will be parked at Jagannath Ballav, Jail Road, Sharadha Bali and Jatrika. The administration has identified designated places on the Grand Road for parking of two-wheelers.
