Bhubaneswar, November 8:Odisha Police have drawn up an extensive security roadmap to prevent criminal activities and ensure peaceful celebrations during the holy Kartik month, various religious festivals and the upcoming New Year across the seven districts under the Central Range, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Satyajit Naik said on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Dr Naik said that several religious functions, festivals, fairs and public gatherings would take place across the region during November and December. In view of the expected congregation of large numbers of devotees and visitors, the police have strengthened security arrangements and deployed additional personnel to maintain law and order.

The security plan covers Cuttack, Puri, Nayagarh, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Jajpur districts. Special emphasis has been laid on crowd management, crime prevention, traffic regulation and maintaining peace during major religious occasions and public celebrations.

Elaborating on the arrangements, the IGP said that 22 platoons of police force, along with 10 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and 65 Sub-Inspectors, would be deployed in Jajpur district for the smooth conduct of Kali Puja celebrations. Special security measures have also been put in place to ensure peaceful immersion processions and prevent any untoward incidents.

Similarly, 26 platoons of police personnel will be deployed in Puri to ensure the safety and convenience of Habisyali devotees observing the Kartik month rituals. Considering the massive gathering of pilgrims during Panchuka and Kartika Purnima, as many as 65 platoons of police force will be engaged to manage crowds and maintain security.

At the famous Dhabaleswar Mahadev Temple, another major centre of religious congregation during the Kartik month, 16 platoons of police personnel will be deployed to ensure the smooth and peaceful movement of devotees and prevent any law-and-order problems.

Dr Naik said the police administration was taking all necessary precautions to ensure that devotees and the general public could participate in religious celebrations without facing security-related difficulties. The deployment of adequate police personnel and special security arrangements at sensitive locations would help prevent criminal activities and maintain public order throughout the festive season.