IGP Reviews Durga Puja Security, Directs SPs to Ensure Safety and Crowd Management
By IGP Dr Satyajit Nayak
Cuttack/Odisha,Oct 18 : Dr Satyajit Nayak, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, on Sunday (October 18) reviewed security arrangements for Durga Puja celebrations across the range during a video conference with all Superintendents of Police (SPs) from 6 pm to 7 pm.
The review focused on force deployment, crowd management, traffic regulation and safety measures at puja pandals and major religious sites.
Durga Puja is being celebrated at 1,243 mandaps across Central Range districts, including prominent Shakti Peethas such as Maa Sarala, Maa Charchika, Maa Bhattarika and Maa Sirlo. As many as 36 platoons of police force, along with Home Guards, have been deployed under the supervision of senior officers to ensure peaceful and orderly celebrations.
During the meeting, Nayak directed the SPs to assess entry and exit points at puja pandals and Ravan Podi venues, regulate traffic to prevent congestion, ensure adequate lighting at pandals and approach roads, and enforce fire safety measures. He also stressed the need for CCTV surveillance at important pandals and close supervision of Meena Bazaars and Ram Doli events, with particular emphasis on public safety.
The IGP instructed all SPs to remain alert and coordinate with the concerned government departments and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of security arrangements. They were also directed to submit situation reports (SITREPs) every two hours until the completion of idol immersion. The review was aimed at ensuring that the festivities pass off peacefully, with adequate safeguards for devotees and the general public.
