Bhubaneswar: The Puri police have put in place an extensive multi-layered security and crowd management plan, including large-scale CCTV surveillance, traffic regulation, and sector-wise deployment of personnel, ahead of the Deva Snana Purnima festival, officials said on Saturday.
Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said that lakhs of devotees are expected to arrive in the pilgrim town for the annual ritual, and elaborate arrangements have been made both inside and outside the Shree Jagannath Temple to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
As part of the security setup, over 300 CCTV cameras have been installed across key locations in and around the temple premises and the town to monitor crowd movement and maintain law and order.
“Inside the temple alone, 52 cameras have been deployed, while 250 cameras cover the temple surroundings, and 30 are installed at Market Chhak,” Singh said while briefing the media.
Singh said police personnel have been deployed in 14 sectors inside the temple to manage the expected heavy rush of devotees. Additional arrangements such as drinking water facilities and extra shoe stands have also been made for public convenience.
On traffic regulation, the SP said two-wheelers coming from Bhubaneswar will be allowed entry via Harekrushnapur Chhak towards Atharanala and Medical Chhak. Designated parking has been arranged at the Market Complex and Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Center (JBPC), while Digabareni parking will be used for devotees visiting the sea beach. A traffic advisory has already been issued.
The police have also prohibited vehicular movement on roads leading to the Shree Jagannath Temple to avoid congestion during the festival period.
Devotees will enter the shrine through the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) and exit via the North Gate to ensure smooth crowd flow, officials said.
Apart from police deployment, NCC cadets, civil defence personnel, fire services teams, and ambulances will also be stationed across the town to support emergency response and crowd-control operations.
The combined arrangements are aimed at ensuring safety, discipline, and a hassle-free experience for devotees during one of the most significant rituals at the Puri temple.
