Puri, May 13: In preparation for the upcoming Rath Yatra, Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Monday chaired a high-level security review meeting in Puri, focusing on strategies for crowd management, traffic control, and ensuring the safety of the event. The grand festival, which attracts millions of devotees, is set to begin on June 27 this year.
During the meeting, DGP Khurania outlined key tasks and provided detailed instructions to senior police officials to ensure flawless coordination across various agencies during the festival.
Speaking to the media, DGP Khurania announced several new initiatives aimed at strengthening security. For the first time, drones from the Odisha Police's Coastal Wing will be deployed for aerial surveillance, offering real-time monitoring of the massive crowds. Additionally, the Marine Police and Coast Guard will conduct sea patrols to bolster coastal security throughout the festival.
To further enhance safety, the entire town of Puri will be covered by CCTV surveillance. Drones equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) will assist in monitoring crowd movements and regulating traffic, providing a cutting-edge approach to law enforcement during the event. The use of AI-based systems will also help improve situational awareness and assist with crowd control, making the festival experience safer for all attendees.
The DGP highlighted the importance of coordination between Odisha Police and central agencies, such as the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Coast Guard, and the Indian Navy, in ensuring a multi-agency approach to security. Special attention will be given to high-density crowd areas, where additional CCTV cameras will be installed at key locations, including railway stations and resting zones for devotees.
Further, the DGP reviewed the station-level management plans and discussed possible improvements in other critical areas to ensure smooth operations throughout the festival. He assured that the police force is fully prepared to handle any challenges that may arise during the event.
In addition to the technical measures, DGP Khurania informed the media that an armored vehicle, known as 'Rakshak,' along with a team from the Special Tactical Unit (STU), has been deployed to Puri for enhanced protection. The STU is a specialized counter-terrorism unit trained alongside personnel from the National Security Guard (NSG), designed to handle urban warfare and other high-risk situations.
With these comprehensive measures, the Odisha Police is determined to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra, one of the most significant religious events in the state. DGP Khurania concluded by emphasizing that the security arrangements for the festival are strong, and the police are ready to address any potential challenges to maintain peace and order.
