By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:With a view to ensuring peaceful religious observances, preventing criminal activities and maintaining law and order during the ongoing holy month of Kartik, forthcoming religious festivals and New Year celebrations, Odisha Police has prepared an extensive security and crime-prevention roadmap covering all seven districts under the Central Range.
Addressing a press conference at Bhubaneswar on Sunday, Dr. Satyajit Naik, IPS, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Kataka, outlined the comprehensive security arrangements and preventive measures being undertaken by the police across Cuttack, Puri, Nayagarh, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Jajpur districts.
The entire security exercise is being undertaken under the able guidance and leadership of the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha. The Range IG, along with all Superintendents of Police (SPs) of the seven districts under Central Range, has been alerted and directed to ensure comprehensive security preparedness, strengthen preventive policing and maintain close coordination among all field formations. Regular monitoring of security arrangements and prompt responses to emerging situations are being emphasised to ensure peaceful and incident-free celebrations across the Range.
The months of November and December witness a significant increase in religious activities, fairs, festivals, pilgrim movement and public gatherings across the Central Range. Considering the expected congregation of large numbers of devotees, tourists and visitors at various religious places and public venues, the police administration has drawn up a coordinated security strategy to ensure public safety, smooth traffic management and effective crime prevention.
The roadmap places special emphasis on *preventive policing, crowd management, traffic regulation, surveillance of sensitive locations, maintenance of communal harmony and swift response to any law-and-order situation.* District police units have been directed to remain vigilant and strengthen coordination with local administration, organisers of religious events and other stakeholders.
*Elaborate Security Arrangements for Major Religious Events*
1. *Kali Puja and Immersion Processions in Jajpur*
In view of the Kali Puja celebrations and subsequent immersion processions in Jajpur district, elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful and incident-free celebrations.
A total of 22 platoons of police force, 10 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and 65 Sub-Inspectors (SIs) will be deployed across the district. Adequate security arrangements will be maintained at puja pandals, sensitive locations and immersion routes. Special attention will be given to procession management, traffic regulation and prevention of any untoward incidents.
2. *Security Arrangements for Habisyalis in Puri*
Puri, being one of the most important pilgrimage destinations during the holy month of Kartik, witnesses a substantial influx of devotees, particularly Habisyalis observing the sacred Kartik rituals.
To ensure their safety, convenience and hassle-free religious observances, 26 platoons of police personnel will be deployed in Puri. Special arrangements will be made at important congregation points, religious locations and areas frequented by Habisyalis.
3. *Panchuka and Kartika Purnima in Puri*
Considering the anticipated massive congregation of devotees during Panchuka and Kartika Purnima, security arrangements will be further intensified.
As many as 65 platoons of police force will be deployed to manage the large gathering of pilgrims, regulate movement and maintain law and order. Special focus will be placed on crowd regulation, security at important religious locations, traffic management and facilitating the safe movement of devotees.
*4.Security at Dhabaleswar Mahadev Temple, Cuttack*
Dhabaleswar Mahadev Temple, another major centre of religious congregation during Kartik month, is expected to witness a significant influx of devotees.
To ensure smooth and peaceful darshan, 16 platoons of police personnel will be deployed in and around the temple area. Arrangements will focus on crowd management, regulation of devotee movement, traffic control and prevention of any law-and-order issues.
*Strengthening Preventive Policing and Crime Prevention*
Apart from security deployment at major religious events, the Central Range Police has prioritised preventive policing throughout the festive season. District police establishments have been advised to intensify patrolling, strengthen surveillance and take timely preventive action against anti-social elements and habitual offenders.
Special vigilance will be maintained at crowded public places, religious establishments, markets, transportation hubs and other vulnerable locations. Police personnel will remain alert to suspicious activities and ensure prompt response to complaints and emergency situations.
Traffic management will also remain a key priority, particularly around major religious destinations and locations witnessing large public gatherings. Necessary coordination will be maintained to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians while minimising inconvenience to the general public.
Special Focus on Public Safety During New Year Celebrations
With New Year celebrations approaching, the police administration has also incorporated specific preventive and security measures into its roadmap. Special attention will be given to crowded public places, tourist destinations, hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and other locations likely to witness large gatherings.
Strict enforcement of traffic regulations, prevention of drunken driving, checking of rash and negligent driving, prevention of public nuisance and maintenance of public order will be among the key focus areas. Adequate police presence and intensified patrolling will be ensured to prevent criminal activities and maintain a safe environment for citizens.
*IGP’s Appeal to the Public*
Dr. Satyajit Naik, IPS, IGP, Central Range, appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and administration in maintaining peace, discipline and public safety during the festive season.
He urged devotees and visitors to follow police advisories, cooperate with security personnel, adhere to traffic regulations and immediately report any suspicious activity or law-and-order concern to the nearest police personnel or police station.
He further emphasised that the objective of the comprehensive security roadmap is not merely to prevent crime but also to create a safe, peaceful and welcoming environment where devotees, visitors and citizens can participate in religious and cultural celebrations without fear or inconvenience.
The Central Range Police remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, secure and crime-free festive season through proactive policing, effective deployment, close inter-district coordination and active public participation.
