Cuttack: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra reviewed security arrangements in Cuttack on Friday as Durga Puja celebrations got underway across the state. During his visit, the DGP reportedly inspected several puja pandals and areas that had witnessed clashes during last year’s festivities.
The security review comes as Cuttack prepares to manage large crowds of devotees and visitors during the festival. Police officials are focusing on maintaining law and order, managing traffic and ensuring the safe movement of people across the city.
130 Platoons of Police Force Deployed
According to the reported arrangements, around 130 platoons of police force, two companies of paramilitary personnel and more than 500 officers have been deployed in Cuttack for Durga Puja security.
Home Guards have also been assigned duties to assist police personnel with crowd management and other security-related responsibilities.
Explaining the objective behind the extensive deployment, DGP Vinaytosh Mishra said the arrangements were aimed at ensuring that people could celebrate the festival peacefully and return home safely.
“Nearly 130 platoons of force, two companies of paramilitary forces, over 500 officers and many Home Guards have been deployed here. Our objective is to ensure that people can celebrate the festival with joy and return to their homes safely,” he said.
DGP Visits Sensitive Areas, Interacts With Residents
As part of the security review, Mishra visited several puja pandals and localities where clashes had reportedly taken place during the previous year’s celebrations.
He inspected the arrangements at different locations and spoke with residents in areas that had experienced disturbances. The interactions formed part of the effort to review local security concerns and prepare for the festival crowds.
Police personnel will remain deployed across the city during the celebrations, with particular attention to maintaining public order and responding to any untoward incidents.
Four-Wheelers Restricted From Entering City After 4 PM
Traffic management is another key component of the Durga Puja security arrangements in Cuttack. As part of the reported measures, four-wheelers will not be allowed to enter the city after 4 pm.
The restriction is intended to help control traffic congestion during the festive period, when large numbers of devotees visit pandals and busy market areas.
Commuters and visitors are advised to follow traffic instructions issued by the authorities and cooperate with personnel deployed at key locations.
Police Focus on Safe and Peaceful Celebrations
With extensive security deployment, inspections of sensitive areas and traffic restrictions in place, the police are preparing to manage the crowds expected during Durga Puja in Cuttack.
The administration’s focus remains on maintaining law and order, preventing clashes and ensuring that devotees can participate in the celebrations safely. Police officers and other security personnel will continue to monitor the situation throughout the festival.
