Bhubaneswar: With the festive season around the corner, Odisha Police have begun gearing up to ensure public safety across the Central Range. A high-level coordination meeting was held on Monday at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack under the chairmanship of DIG (Central Range) Satyajit Naik, where detailed security measures were discussed for seven districts.
Senior Superintendents of Police (SPs) from Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, and Jajpur participated in the meeting, which focused on maintaining law and order, safeguarding religious gatherings, tourist areas, and vulnerable groups during upcoming festivals.
DIG Naik said the police are prioritising crowd management, women and senior citizen safety, and prevention of crimes during major festivals.
“We have reviewed both scheduled and non-scheduled law and order arrangements and directed district police units to intensify surveillance and patrolling, particularly in sensitive areas,” he told reporters.
Special focus has been laid on security in Puri, given the expected rush at the Jagannath Temple and Puri beach. Plans include enhanced deployment of forces, drone monitoring, and establishing no-fly zones around key locations. The proposal to install anti-drone systems around the Jagannath Temple is currently under review and is in its conceptual phase, he said.
Enforcement drives under Operation Prahar and Operation Agni were also discussed, aiming at cracking down on organised crime, drug trafficking, and repeat offenders.
“We are strengthening ground-level implementation of ongoing operations and increasing coordination between districts,” DIG Naik said.
Odisha Police are also preparing to deploy additional CCTV surveillance units, improve 24/7 control room monitoring, and set up temporary police outposts in high-footfall zones during the festivities.
The safety of Habisyalis—elderly women pilgrims visiting Puri during Kartika month—was also highlighted. Instructions have been given to ensure adequate accommodation security, medical support, and transit assistance for them.
DIG Naik said police presence will be ramped up in public places, markets, religious spots, and transportation hubs, with special emphasis on traffic regulation and road safety measures.
“Our aim is to ensure that the festive season across the Central Range passes off peacefully and without any incident. Public cooperation along with enhanced police readiness will be key,” Naik added.
