Bhubaneswar: Odisha Director General of Police YB Khurania has directed all district Superintendents of Police and Deputy Commissioners of Police to remain on high alert in view of a series of upcoming festivals, beginning with Dola Purnima and Holi.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and public safety, the DGP instructed officers to ensure heightened security arrangements, particularly in sensitive and communally vulnerable areas. He underlined that special attention must be given to the safety of women and elderly citizens during Holi celebrations, and warned against any form of harassment.
With Dola Purnima being observed on Tuesday, followed by Holi on Wednesday, and major festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr on March 21, Ram Navami on March 27, and Hanuman Jayanti and Maha Bishuba Sankranti on April 14, Khurania said police preparedness must remain consistent throughout the festive period. He stressed that ensuring incident-free celebrations should be the top priority for the force.
The DGP also called for round-the-clock patrolling in vulnerable pockets and intensified intelligence gathering. Cyber cells in all districts have been directed to closely monitor social media platforms to prevent the spread of rumours or provocative content that could disturb communal harmony.
Strict enforcement against drunk driving, traffic violations and the use of high-decibel sound systems has been ordered. Officers have also been advised to install CCTV cameras in sensitive urban areas and take preventive action against habitual offenders. Meetings with peace committees and community leaders have been encouraged to strengthen coordination at the grassroots level. Police have additionally been instructed to keep watch on padayatras and bike rallies to avert any untoward incidents.
With multiple festivals lined up over the coming weeks, Odisha Police have stepped up coordination and enforcement efforts to ensure that celebrations across the state remain peaceful and secure.
