​​​​​​​Puri, Nov 4: Extensive preparations have been made in Puri ahead of the auspicious Kartik Purnima celebrations. To ensure smooth conduct of rituals and crowd management, the district police administration will deploy 45 platoons of police personnel across key locations in the holy town.

Briefing the media, Puri SP Prateek Singh said elaborate security measures have been put in place around the Sata Pahacha (Seven Gates) and the outer courtyard of the Jagannath Temple.

For the convenience of devotees, first-aid counters, drinking water facilities, and temporary toilets have been set up along the Bada Danda (Grand Road). In view of the expected heavy footfall, barricading has been extended up to Bagala Dharmashala, Singh added. The stretch from Medical Square has been declared a no-vehicle zone to ensure smooth pedestrian movement.

On the Puri sea beach, arrangements include the deployment of one SP-rank officer, 370 lifeguards, two ODRAF teams, three ambulances, three first-aid counters, and a dedicated police control room to respond to any emergencies.

Authorities have urged devotees and visitors to cooperate with the police and follow the traffic and safety guidelines for a peaceful and safe Kartik Purnima celebration.