In usual anticipation of large numbers of devotees thronging the lingaraj Temple in Old Bhubaneswar for Mahashivratri celebration on February 14, elaborate arrangements will be made by the Commissionerate police for smooth conduct of the annual festival of lord Shiva.

At a preparatory meeting chaired by Police Commissioner YB Khurania on Friday, it was decided that 25 platoons of police forces would be deployed in four shifts at the temple.

Five police officers in Additional ACP rank, 11 ACPs and 100 other senior officers would take positions under supervision of DCP Satyabrat Bhoi.

Besides, CCTV cameras would be verified to monitor the situation and vigil would be kept on possible antisocial activities including chain snatching or misbehaviour towards women devotees. The crowd would be controlled in and outside the temple from around 1 in night onwards on the Mahashivratri day.

The Commissionerate police at the meeting also decided to make vehicle parking arrangements at the BM High School, Subhadra Mahatab High School and Gosagareswar UP School.

BMC Mayor Ananata Narayan Jena, who attended the meeting, announced to provide water bottles worth Rs 50,000 to beat the heat for devotees. The bulls, which are making obstructions on the roads, would be taken to the Kanjiahuda at Unit-3 two days before Mahashivratri.

As no city bus is travelling to lingaraj temple these days, the Mayor also assured the servitors to sort out the issue ahead of the festival.

Among others, Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, temple Trust Board members, servitors and other representatives were present at the meeting.