Puri/Cuttack: Ahead of the New Year 2026 celebrations, the Odisha Police has rolled out an extensive, zero-tolerance security framework across the Central Range to ensure maximum safety for devotees, tourists and local residents.
The elaborate arrangement, finalised under the direct supervision of DIG Central Range Satyajit Naik, covers the districts of Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur, where a massive influx of visitors is expected.
Police officials said the security plan has been designed to facilitate smooth celebrations while maintaining law and order at major religious, coastal and tourist destinations. With lakhs of people likely to converge on temples, beaches, riverfronts and picnic spots, the Central Range has authorised one of its largest-ever deployments for a festive occasion.
As part of the arrangement, 150 platoons of police force have been deployed across sensitive locations to manage crowds and prevent untoward incidents. Specialised units, including the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), the Special Tactical Unit (STU) and 179 trained lifeguards, have been pressed into service to respond to emergencies and ensure safety at beaches and water bodies. High-definition CCTV surveillance and drone monitoring have been integrated into the security grid, particularly in high-footfall areas such as Puri Beach and Kantilo Nilamadhab.
The police have also drawn up district-specific strategies to address local challenges. Along the coastline, marine patrolling has been intensified at Puri’s Blue Flag Beach, Paradeep and Siali Sea Beach to prevent accidents and illegal activities. Special crowd-regulation measures have been put in place at major religious centres, including the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Biraja Temple in Jajpur and the Baldevjee Temple in Kendrapara, to ensure orderly darshan and safeguard the sanctity of these shrines. In eco-sensitive zones such as Chilika in Khordha district and Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara, enhanced patrolling is being carried out to prevent public nuisance and protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
Road safety has emerged as a key focus area this year, with the Central Range Police launching a strict “zero-drunk driving” drive. Round-the-clock checkpoints have been set up to curb drunken driving, overspeeding and other traffic violations that often lead to fatal accidents during New Year celebrations. Traffic diversions, pre-notified one-way routes and dedicated parking zones have been planned around popular picnic and tourist spots to prevent congestion. Mobile highway interceptor teams on bikes and vans are also patrolling major roads to ensure the safety of long-distance travellers.
To prevent crimes and antisocial activities, a zero-tolerance policy is being enforced across the region. Special anti-harassment squads, including women police officers in plain clothes, have been deployed to ensure the safety of women and children in crowded areas. The police have also intensified checks against illegal parties, narcotics, contraband and the unlawful sale of liquor. Emergency help desks and control rooms are functioning round the clock to assist with missing person complaints and provide immediate medical or police assistance.
Addressing the public, DIG Satyajit Naik said the primary objective of the police was to strike a balance between celebration and the rule of law. He said officers have been deployed from the riverfronts of Cuttack to the beaches of Puri to ensure that every citizen feels safe during the festivities. He appealed to the public to cooperate with the police, celebrate responsibly and respect the law.
The Central Range Police has urged citizens and visitors to strictly follow traffic advisories and diversions, avoid venturing into deep waters at beaches and riverfronts, and immediately report any suspicious activity or harassment to the nearest police help desk to ensure a safe and peaceful New Year celebration.
