Puri: Elaborate security arrangements have been made here in Odisha for the famous Debasnana Purnima festival of Lord Jagannath commencing late tonight, informed Central Range DIG Asish Singh on Thursday.
Briefing the media, Singh said, as many as 38 platoons of police will be deployed to maintain the law and order during the festival in the pilgrim town.
Besides, two commandants, six ASPs, 16 DSPs and 44 Inspectors will be deployed in the town and the policemen are on high alert, said the DIG.
CCTV cameras have been installed near the areas of the Snana Mandap (bathing altar), key places on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) and other areas of the town to monitor the movement of the people, he said.
The district administration has invoked Section 144 of CrPC to avoid large congregation of people during the festival in the town in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.
In a bid to restrict entry of unauthorized persons and vehicles to the close proximity of the temple, the peripheral areas have been divided into seven zones, he added.
While zone -I will be around Jagannath temple, zone – II will be the grand road.
Likewise, zone – III covers area between Balisahi Road to Dolamandapsahi, zone – IV covers between Balisahi Road and Lokanath Road, zone – V covers area between Lokanath Road Mangalaghat Crossing, zone – VI area covers from Hospital Crossing to Subas Bose Crossing and five entry points of the town comes under zone – VII, said the DIG.
However, people can watch the Snan Yatra live from televisions as the I & Pr department of the State government and other private TV channels will broadcast the festival.
Kalinga AI