Puri, July 16: The holy city of Puri has been placed under a multi-layered security blanket ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, as lakhs of devotees continue to arrive for the annual festival. Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Wednesday said all security and traffic management arrangements have been put in place to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the yatra.

Addressing the media, the DGP said 19 IPS officers and nearly 13,000 police personnel have been deployed across Puri for the festival. In addition, 15 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, including the CRPF, BSF, RAF and NSG, have been stationed at strategic locations to strengthen security.

Security has also been intensified along the coastline, with the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Marine Police maintaining heightened vigil to prevent any untoward incidents.

Lifeguards have been deployed along the Puri beach to ensure the safety of tourists and pilgrims. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads have also been pressed into service to carry out anti-sabotage checks and thoroughly inspect vulnerable and sensitive locations.

The police have urged devotees to adhere to the traffic advisory issued for the Rath Yatra and cooperate with authorities to facilitate smooth movement and crowd management during the festival.

Meanwhile, Special IPS Officer and ADG Soumendra Priyadarshi, Central Range IG Dr. Satyajit Naik, DIG Pinak Mishra, SP Prateek Singh and other senior officials reviewed the security arrangements at the Singhadwara and inside as well as outside the Shree Jagannath Temple ahead of the grand event.