Puri: Elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath, scheduled to commence on April 20 on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Trutiya and conclude on May 10.
According to police officials, preparations are in the final stage to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the 21-day-long festival at the sacred Narendra Pushkarini.
Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh conducted an on-ground inspection on Thursday at the Chandan Chakada and the staging area of the deities at Narendra Pushkarini. During the visit, he directed officers to strictly adhere to traditional protocols while maintaining discipline and ensuring public safety.
Fire Services personnel and teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force have been deployed at the venue as a precautionary measure. Surveillance has been strengthened with the installation of CCTV cameras around the Pushkarini and adjoining roads, while adequate lighting arrangements are also being ensured.
To manage the anticipated large turnout of devotees, vehicular movement will be restricted on roads surrounding Narendra Pushkarini during the festival period. Traffic regulation plans have been put in place to avoid congestion and facilitate smooth crowd movement.
Police have also decided to deploy plainclothes personnel among the crowd to prevent any untoward incidents, keeping in view the possibility of criminal activities during large gatherings.
As part of the security deployment, five platoons of police force will be stationed at the site. The deployment includes one Additional SP, five DSPs, eight Inspectors, 20 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors, along with 58 Home Guards, officials said.
Authorities expressed confidence that with these measures in place, the festival will be conducted peacefully and in an organized manner.
