Odisha Police Gears Up For Rath Yatra

Bhubaneswar: Security arrangement for annual Rath Yatra to be observed on July 4 will be a major challenge for Odisha police as Puri witnessed large scale devastation due to severe cyclone Fani which made landfall at Puri on May 3.

Police DG R.P Sharma today held a discussion on several security-related issues for the festival during the first preparatory meeting convened at DGP camp office in the state capital.

“ Mobilisation of the police force will be a problem as barracks, hotels and school building used for the accommodation of police during the festival has been badly damaged. We will ask the concerned agencies to repair the buildings along with the restoration of electricity to accommodate our force,” said Sharma.

Sharma also said that temporary CCTVs will be installed in the town for smooth management of the festival. “Most of the CCTVs installed in the town have become defunct in the cyclone. We will also strengthen the Very High Frequency (VHF) communication system. We will also prepare comprehensive planning and arrangement for uninterrupted communication during the festival,” added Sharma.

Police have also decided to intensify beach patrolling and sea vigil for the annual festival. Besides temporary police outposts will also be set up in different locations in Puri town.

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