Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday asked the police authorities to take foolproof security measures to ensure that the world famous Rath Yatra at Puri passes off peacefully.
Patnaik discussed on the maintenance of law and order during both the Srigundicha and Bahuda Yatras of the Puri deities with the senior police officials, including the DG Police Prakash Mishra and IG Intelligence Arun Sarangi, besides Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra and Additional Chief Secretary in-charge of Home UN Behera. Patnaik, according to official sources, advised the police authorities to give stress on the security of pilgrims and the traffic management.
Sources said that during the Rath Yatra, as many as 110 platoons of police would be deployed in Puri town, including at the Grand Road and sea beach areas. Besides, four platoons of Rapid Action Force (RAF) would also be deployed on the occasion to ensure the fest goes incident-free.
As part of the security measures, one armed helicopter would be pressed into service to monitor the movement of the people. Similarly, in order to avoid any threat perception from the sea front, it has been decided to rope in the Coast Guard, which would be patrolling sea in a vessel. Besides, with a view to avoid any mishap during bathing in the sea, as many as 400 life guards have been kept in readiness.
Talking to newsmen after the meeting, DGP Prakash Mishra said that keeping in view last year’s unfortunate incident, it was decided to make special police arrangement near the parking area of the chariots at the Mausima Temple for smooth darshan of the deities.