Bhubaneswar: To ensure peaceful Durga Puja, the Commissionerate Police has made CCTV installation mandatory at all puja pandals in the Capital city.
Addressing a press conference, Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M outlined the multi-tiered security blueprint finalised for the festive period. All 195 registered puja pandals across Bhubaneswar have been categorised into three brackets – Category A, B and C – based on expected footfall and vulnerability assessment to streamline crowd management and security.
A primary requirement of this year’s security framework is installation of CCTV cameras at every mandap. “CCTV coverage is vital for dynamic monitoring and preventing untoward incidents. All puja committees have agreed to install surveillance units at key vantage points,” the DCP said.
Beyond technical surveillance, extensive physical security measures will be deployed across high-footfall areas. Plainclothes personnel will be stationed in and around pandals to keep a vigil on anti-social elements, pickpockets and eve-teasing.
Based on security logs and incident reports of previous years, police have identified sensitive pockets where mobile patrolling and anti-sabotage checks will be intensified. Coordination meetings with puja organisers and local committees have been concluded, with community leaders assuring full cooperation to adhere to safety guidelines set by the administration.
