Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has put in place elaborate security arrangements across Bhubaneswar ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, including Zero Night events, to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.
Addressing the media, Twin City Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh said that an additional 15 platoons of police force will be deployed across the capital city. The deployment aims to manage large crowds, regulate traffic, and prevent any untoward incidents during the festive period. All Inspector-in-Charges of police stations have been instructed to keep a close vigil in their respective jurisdictions.
The police have issued a stern warning against drunken driving, stating that strict checks will be conducted at multiple locations across the city. Special focus will be placed on road safety, particularly during late-night celebrations on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
To enhance women’s safety, High Efficiency Response (HER) teams will be deployed in plain clothes at sensitive and crowded locations. The entire city will also remain under extensive CCTV surveillance to monitor public movement and swiftly respond to any law-and-order situation.
Permission has been granted for Zero Night celebrations at select hotels and a few open venues, subject to strict adherence to safety norms. Clearance from the Fire Department has been made mandatory for organising such events. Additionally, police personnel will be deployed at entry and exit points of bars and pubs to prevent overcrowding and ensure orderly conduct.
The Commissionerate Police is also in discussions with the Excise Department to finalise specific operating hours for bars and pubs during the festive season. The Police Commissioner said detailed guidelines regarding this will be issued shortly.
