Bhubaneswar, June 16 (UNI) An Integrated Control Room and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered cameras will be installed across Puri town for the first time during the famous Car Festival (Rath Yatra), scheduled for June 27, Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania said.
The Integrated Control Room will be set up at the Town Police Station, while AI cameras will be strategically placed across various key locations, including Uttara Chhak, the Puri-Konark Road, and prominent intersections in the city.
To counter potential terrorist threats, a joint patrolling system involving the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Odisha Police’s Maritime Police Station has been established along the coastline.
Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been deployed on ships, while drones and anti-drone systems have also been arranged to guard against aerial threats.
The DGP further emphasized the deployment of an Anti-Terrorist Squad and guard vehicles in Puri city to respond to any untoward incident.
The world-renowned Rath Yatra of Puri will be held on June 27. To ensure the event is conducted in a smooth, orderly, and well-coordinated manner, the DGP has directed senior police officers to remain active and vigilant throughout the festival.
He noted that lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad are expected to visit Puri for the Naba Joubana Darshan of Mahaprabhu, Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, and other rituals associated with the car festival.
Keeping this in mind, DGP Khurania held detailed discussions on Sunday with senior police officials regarding various security arrangements.
He has also ordered a special crime control drive across all police station areas in the state. Thorough inspections will be carried out at hotels, lodges, monasteries, temples, bus stands, railway stations, workers' accommodations, and dharamshalas.
The DGP expressed confidence that devotees will experience better cooperation and convenience, especially in traffic management.
A special mobile application has been developed to facilitate public transport during the festival. The app will provide real-time updates on traffic advisories, available parking spaces, traffic congestion, and alternative routes.
The DGP also stated that more security forces have been deployed this year compared to the previous year and instructed the police to stay fully prepared to manage any potential panic situations.
The meeting reviewed several aspects of traffic and security management, including road dividers, delineators, designated traffic zones, sufficient parking facilities, and the maintenance of a smooth traffic system.
The need for police patrolling along the beach and the establishment of temporary police outposts was also discussed in detail.
In addition, the meeting addressed extensive security measures at various railway stations, with the DGP stressing close coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
Provisions for VIP helipads, special accommodation facilities for police personnel, well-regulated vehicle movement, barricading, rapid issue resolution in coordination with the district administration, and special arrangements for orderly darshan of devotees were also part of the discussions.
DGP Khurania appealed to the public to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful and flawless Rath Yatra.
Director (Intelligence) R.P. Koche, Additional Director General of Police (Modernization) Soumendra Kumar Priyadarshi, ADGP (law and order) Sanjay Kumar, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, ADGP (Communication) Dayal Gangwar, and several other senior police officials attended the meeting.
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