Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: With Vijayadashami marking the conclusion of Durga Puja, preparations are underway for the immersion of Goddess Durga idols across Bhubaneswar on Thursday. The Commissionerate Police has made elaborate security arrangements, deploying 48 platoons of police force and around 100 officers to ensure the smooth conduct of the immersion processions.

Six temporary immersion sites have been arranged in the capital. Deputy Commissioner of Police Shravan M. Vivek has clarified that DJ music will not be permitted during the processions. Violators will face seizure of their DJ equipment and registration of criminal cases.

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The immersion processions will begin at 2 pm on Thursday. Around 20 puja committees will participate in the Nayapalli procession, while 24 tableaux will join the Sahid Nagar procession.

Nayapalli immersion route

The Nayapalli procession will begin at Nayapalli Square. The tableaux will proceed in sequence through CRP Square, take a right turn at DAV Square, and move via Gopabandhu Square and Siripur towards the Airport and Sur Company Square.

During the procession, vehicles heading towards Jaydev Vihar from the CRP Square side will be diverted through the Ekamra Park road.

Sahid Nagar immersion route

The Sahid Nagar procession will start from Sahid Nagar and proceed via Ram Mandir and Master Canteen to Rajmahal Square.

During the procession, vehicles will be allowed to use Sachivalaya Marg and adjoining roads.

North Bhubaneswar immersion route

Tableaux from two immersion committees in North Bhubaneswar will assemble at Club Town Apartment Ground and Damana Ground before proceeding towards Nalco Square.

During the procession, vehicles travelling from Nandankanan Square towards Jaydev Vihar will be diverted through connecting roads at KIIT or Kalarahanga Square.

Traffic restrictions will remain in force from 2 pm until 1 am.

Temporary immersion ponds and arrangements

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has created temporary immersion ponds near the Kuakhai River at Palasuni, Hanspal, Basuaghai and Tankapani Road, as well as near the Daya River at Lingipur.

Additional temporary ponds have been arranged near Centurion University, Chandaka and the Kushabhadra River for idol immersion.

Hydras, JCB machines, tractors and support teams have been stationed near the temporary ponds to assist with the immersion process. Dedicated access roads and lighting arrangements have also been provided to facilitate safe movement.

Authorities have urged residents to follow traffic advisories and cooperate with the police to ensure a peaceful and orderly conclusion to the Durga Puja festivities.