With the festive season approaching, the Commissionerate Police has stepped up preparations across Bhubaneswar to ensure smooth Durga Puja celebrations. The focus is on crowd management, crime prevention, traffic regulation and the safety of devotees.
A total of 185 puja mandaps have been identified across the capital city. Based on expected footfall and importance, the mandaps have been divided into A, B and C categories. High-footfall locations have been placed in the A category, with security arrangements planned accordingly in different police station areas.
Foot, Mobile and Bike Patrolling Intensified
Foot patrolling has already begun in several parts of Bhubaneswar ahead of the Puja celebrations. Mobile and bike patrols are also being increased to maintain a visible police presence.
Plainclothes personnel will be deployed at crowded locations to prevent crimes such as chain snatching and theft. Women police personnel will also be deployed to ensure the safety of women and closely monitor suspicious activities.
Police have already arrested an alleged chain-snatching accused and recovered several items from his possession.
CCTV Surveillance at Puja Mandaps
CCTV surveillance will play a major role in the security arrangements. Meetings have been held with puja committees at the IIC and ACP levels, and committees have been advised to install CCTV cameras at puja mandaps and surrounding areas.
Plainclothes and women police personnel will monitor crowded areas to detect suspicious movements and help prevent theft, chain snatching and other crimes.
Special Traffic and Parking Arrangements
With a rise in visitors during the festive season, traffic congestion is expected to increase. Police are therefore making special arrangements for traffic management and parking around major puja locations.
People have been urged not to park vehicles on roads or travel on wrong routes and to follow traffic rules while cooperating with the police.
Vigilance Around Empty Houses
Police are also focusing on residential areas that may remain vulnerable when families leave their homes during the festivities. Areas with a history of thefts will be identified on a police-station-wise basis, and patrolling will be intensified in these sensitive locations.
The movements of known offenders will also be closely monitored throughout the festive period to prevent theft and other criminal activities.