BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Police has intensified preparations for Debasnana Purnima, scheduled to be observed on June 29, with elaborate security and crowd-management measures planned in Puri ahead of the annual religious event that draws lakhs of devotees.
A high-level review meeting was held at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack under the chairmanship of DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania to assess arrangements for the festival and the upcoming Rath Yatra.
During the meeting, the DGP reviewed security, traffic, and crowd-control plans for Puri and directed senior officers to ensure smooth conduct of the rituals associated with Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra through coordinated efforts at all levels.
ADGP (Modernisation) Soumendra Kumar Priyadarshi presented a detailed plan outlining the operational strategy for managing the festival.
To maintain law and order during Debasnana Purnima, Odisha Police will deploy 72 platoons of force across key locations in and around the Shree Jagannath Temple.
The deployment will include six SPs and Commandants, 17 Additional SPs, 42 DSPs, 94 Inspectors, 352 SI/ASIs, 53 Havildars, and 428 Constables.
Special barricading arrangements have been made near the Snana Mandap to facilitate the orderly movement of devotees and ensure the smooth darshan of the deities. Police said the measures are aimed at managing large crowds expected during the festival.
Security surveillance will be strengthened through the installation of advanced CCTV cameras inside the temple premises, around the shrine, and along designated barricade routes.
Dedicated crack teams will remain on standby to respond to emergencies, while an Anti-Snatching Squad will be deployed to prevent theft, pickpocketing, and chain-snatching incidents.
A Striking Force will also remain ready for rapid deployment in case of any unforeseen situation. Police authorities have been directed to coordinate closely with various departments of the district administration to ensure the successful conduct of the festival.
The review meeting was attended by several senior police officials, including Intelligence Director R.P. Koche.
