Bhubaneswar: With Hanuman Jayanti and Maha Bisuba Sankranti set to be celebrated across the state tomorrow, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Sunday chaired a high-level review meeting at the DGP Camp Office to assess preparedness and ensure peaceful observance of the festivals.
The meeting was attended by State Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, Inspector General (Intelligence) Jai Narayan Pankaj, State Director of Intelligence R.P. Koche, all Range IGs and DIGs, as well as District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from across the state, who joined virtually.
At the outset, the Chief Secretary lauded the efforts of the Police Department for ensuring peaceful Ram Navami celebrations across Odisha. He expressed satisfaction over the effective deployment and timely preventive measures taken in sensitive areas and urged similar coordination for Hanuman Jayanti.
DGP Khurania briefed the officials about the special security arrangements being put in place.
He instructed deployment of additional police forces in vulnerable districts and urged officers to remain vigilant, gather intelligence proactively, and take swift action where necessary.
Emphasizing the growing influence of social media, the DGP directed all district cyber cells to monitor online platforms round-the-clock to counter misinformation and prevent rumor-mongering.
Among the key directives issued during the meeting were:
- Intensified patrolling in sensitive areas
- Random checking of vehicles
- Crackdown on drunk driving and illegal liquor trade
- Restrictions on unpermitted processions
- Installation of CCTV and AI-enabled surveillance in key locations
- Intelligence-based policing and coordination with peace committees
- Engagement with community leaders and local representatives
- Targeted action against habitual offenders and mischief-mongers
- Crowd control during padayatras and bike rallies
- Public safety measures in anticipation of possible Kalbaisakhi storms
The DGP stressed that public convenience should be a priority during the processions and called for prompt response mechanisms to tackle any untoward incident.
With rising temperatures and the possibility of thunderstorms, officials were asked to take additional precautions to safeguard both the public and police personnel on duty.
Concluding the meeting, Chief Secretary Ahuja and DGP Khurania urged all officials to ensure inter-agency coordination for the peaceful and smooth celebration of the upcoming festivals.
