By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: Better coordination for Costal security and security for railway properties, establishments and infrastructure always remained as one of the key focus areas of State Police Headquarters led by able DGP SK Bansal. In view of the Rath Yatra-2023 of Shree Lord Jagannatha and his Siblings in Odisha’s pilgrimage city of Puri, Railway and Coastal Security wing, led by well-organized and humble ADGP Dayal Gangwar and energetic DIG, SCRB, Dr Satyajit Naik, working round the clock to provide better security to devotees those who throng to Puri, sources said, as a result of which, infiltration through sea and water routes and major untoward incident at any of Railways establishments, far a cry now during the Rath Yatra, which entered into its 5th day on Saturday.
For better coordination, the ADGP of Railway and Coastal Security, Dayal Gangwar, chaired a coordination meeting for the first time at the Town Hall in Puri.
The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss and strategize the safety and security measures for the upcoming Car Festival-2023. The meeting saw the participation of officers from various departments including GRP, Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Police, Fire Service, and Fishery Department.
The collaborative gathering provided an opportunity for the attendees to share insights, coordinate efforts, and formulate effective plans to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival while prioritizing the safety and security of the railway station and coastal areas. A briefing parade on the deployment of forces and their duties was conducted on June 18th,2023, at the Town Hall in Puri by the ADGP of Railways and Coastal Security followed by field briefing and deployment by DIG, SCRB, Dr Satyajit Naik, IPS.
A control room for marine and coastal security was established at Penthakata Marine Police Station starting on June 19th, 2023. Officers and personnel from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard,and Fisheries Department coordinated their efforts. An advanced light helicopter of the Coast Guard conducted an aerial reconnaissance on June19th, 2023, after taking off at 14:30 and landing at 16:30.A mock drill for medical assistance and casualty salvage was carried out by the Indian Navymedical and lifeguard team at Baliapanda and Golden Sea Beach in Puri on June 19th, 2023.Communication was established with the helicopter, marine police stations, FIBs (FastInterceptor Boats), and fishing trawlers, provided by the Fisheries Department since June 19th,2023, and found to be satisfactory.
A coordinated mock drill involving all stakeholders was conducted on June 19th, 2023.Forces were deployed on June 20th, 2023, including one fast patrolling vessel, one FIB, andthe deployment of an advanced light helicopter by Coast Guard. The Navy set up medical andlifeguard teams at Golden Beach and Baliapanda Beach. They handled one drowning case, transferring the patient to the district hospital for treatment. The Fisheries Department deployed one mechanized fishing boat and three motorized fishingboats at various marine police stations for sea patrolling. Marine police stations with 12-ton boats were deployed to enforce criminal laws and provide security in the territorial waters of Puri Coast.
A control room was set up, with nodal officers from the Coast Guard, Navy, and FisheriesDepartment overseeing operations under the supervision of AIGP (Assistant Inspector General of Police) and DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) of Marine and Coastal Security. Regular inspections were carried out by the ADGP Sri Dayal Gangwar, DIGP Dr. SatyajitNaik, AIGP, and DSP of Marine and Coastal Security at designated posts established for RathaYatra 2023.
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard were instructed to keep their quick reaction teams and additional manpower ready for airlifting in case of emergencies. Good work done by coastal security! Rescuing individuals in distress :Rescue of a Boy from Deep Water: Coastal security successfully rescued a young boy who wasin deep water. This kind of rescue requires skill and prompt action to ensure the safety of the individual. It’s commendable that they were able to bring the boy to safety and prevent a potential drowning incident.(One boy rescued from deep water)
Rescue of a Woman with an Ankle Injury: Another commendable rescue performed by coastal security involved a woman who had twisted her ankle, which may have resulted in a fracture. The coastal security team demonstrated their commitment by rescuing the woman, offering herthe necessary medical attention, and ensuring her well-being.(A woman was rescued after she twisted her ankle, which was suspected to be a fracture.)These instances highlight the dedication and professionalism of coastal security personnel, whoprioritize the safety and welfare of individuals in need along the coast.
Their efforts contribute significantly to maintaining public safety and preventing further harm. Railway Security for Ratha Yatra 2023:An empowered group was formed to ensure proper accommodation arrangements for the officers and personnel mobilized for the festival in consultation with the Railway Authorities, Puri District Police, and Civil Administration. The Car Festival on June 20th and 21st, 2023, was successfully conducted in the Puri withoutany untoward incidents. On June 21, 2023, again one coordination meeting took place at Puri GRPS, chaired by the ADGP of Railway and Coastal Security, with senior officers from Odisha Police, GRP, andRPF in attendance. Important issues were discussed, and decisions were made, including joint deployment of RPF and GRP staff for effective communication, timely sharing of train movement information, eviction of unauthorized shops/stalls, and restrictions on un authorizedparking in the railway area.
Special actions taken during the festival included the introduction of a Face Recognition System at the Integrated Control Room for identifying criminals, the establishment of control rooms in crowded areas for assisting passengers and keeping a lookout for criminal activities, traffic management outside the main road of the station, distribution of two-wheelers to officers for easier movement, and the use of lighter vehicles for transportation. A Facial Recognition System has been installed with the help of SCRB, Odisha in the integrated control room in Puri to identify potential pick pocketers and anti-social elements. This systemutilizes advanced technology to analyze facial features and match them against a database of known individuals, helping authorities identify and track suspicious individuals to maintain security and prevent criminal activities during events or gatherings. Good work done by Railway security: The railway security personnel have accomplished commendable work, as evidenced by the following instances :A missing senior citizen, a 71-year-old male, was successfully rescued by the Puri GRP staff.
The CCTV footage from Puri Railway Station played a vital role in locating the individual, andhe was reunited with his relatives.
During a joint operation with Childline, Puri, three minor children were rescued on the day of the Car Festival. The collaborative effort ensured the safety and well-being of these children. Prompt action taken by the GRP staff resulted in the detection of a mobile theft case on June21, 2023. Two individuals suspected of the theft were apprehended, and two stolen mobile phones were recovered as a result of their efforts. These achievements highlight the railway security personnel’s dedication and effectiveness in ensuring individuals’ safety and preventing criminal activities within their jurisdiction.
