Durga Puja Immersion: Tight Security in Seven Odisha Districts, DJ Music Banned

: As the nine-day worship of Goddess Durga comes to an end, preparations are underway for the immersion of idols across Odisha. Temporary immersion ponds have been constructed along rivers in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to facilitate the rituals. The Central Range Police have made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that the immersion processions pass off peacefully and safely.

Under the direction of Central Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Satyajit Nayak, stringent security measures have been put in place across seven districts under the Central Range.

56 Platoons Deployed Across Seven Districts

A total of 56 platoons of police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order at 1,389 Durga Puja pandals across Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, Kendrapara, Nayagarh, Jajpur and Jagatsinghpur districts.

The police have imposed a complete ban on DJ music during the immersion processions. Organisers are permitted to use traditional instruments such as drums and other conventional musical instruments. Strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the restrictions.

Special police surveillance will be maintained in sensitive areas, traffic management zones and immersion ghats. Authorities are also monitoring social media platforms to prevent the spread of rumours and provocative posts that could disturb public order.

IGP Satyajit Nayak has appealed to people not to circulate unverified information and to contact the emergency helpline 112 in case of an emergency. The police have urged citizens to celebrate the immersion festivities peacefully while maintaining communal harmony.

Elaborate Security Arrangements in Cuttack

Extensive arrangements have been made in Cuttack for the immersion processions. The Cuttack Municipal Corporation has constructed three temporary immersion ponds at Devigada to facilitate the immersion of idols.

A total of 62 platoons of police personnel will be deployed across the city to maintain security. Special arrangements will be in place along the stretch from Howrah Motor Chhak to Gouri Shankar Park.

In addition, four armed police personnel will be deployed with each silver tableau to strengthen security during the processions.

Temporary Immersion Ponds in Bhubaneswar

In Bhubaneswar, temporary immersion ponds have been constructed along the Kuakhai and Daya rivers to facilitate the immersion rituals.

Considering the large crowds expected during the processions and the possibility of emergencies, the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services Department has strengthened its preparedness.

Two special fire service units have been deployed at Devigada in Cuttack. Additional arrangements have also been made at important locations in Bhubaneswar, including Lingipur, Bankual, Palasuni and Hanspal.

With enhanced police deployment, restrictions on DJ music, social media monitoring and emergency response arrangements, the authorities are working to ensure the safe and peaceful conclusion of the Durga Puja festivities across the region.