The Commissionerate Police have put comprehensive security, safety, and crowd management protocols in place across Bhubaneswar as the city prepares for the grand culmination of the Durga Puja festivities.
With celebrations reaching their peak, Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M announced that Ravana Podi is scheduled to be held across nine designated locations by nine different organisers on October 21. “Detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been issued to all organisers, regarding the distance of the crowd from the Ravan Podi. It has to be a minimum of 100 meters all around the Ravan Podi. A minimum of 100 metres has to be maintained and it has to be barricaded,” he said.
To manage potential emergencies and fire hazards effectively, a dedicated fire service team along with specialised rescue units have been requisitioned for every venue. “At least two platoons of force will be deployed at these locations to regulate large anticipated crowds, backed by personnel in civil dress to monitor anti-social activities,” he added.
Following the conclusion of the Ravana Podi , the focus will shift to the Visarjan Utsav on October 22, marking the final day of celebrations. The puja mandaps are expected to assemble at designated transit points before being systematically transported to earmarked immersion sites under strict police oversight. A total of 48 platoons of police personnel will be deployed across the city to manage the crowd and maintain security. DJ vehicles will not be allowed during the immersion processions.
“In coordination with the BMC, three designated locations featuring temporary ponds have been established for immersion (visarjan). To facilitate the process, we have reinforced temporary access roads and deployed cranes, traffic control, route lining, and police personnel across all three sites,” the DCP added.