Obviously keeping in mind the stampede deaths in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, the Odisha police announced a five-layer security system for the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra beginning July 18.
DGP Sanjeev Marik said a very strong security system would be put in place in Puri to avert any kind of incident. "A five-layer security system has been planned. There would be special security system inside and outside the Shreemandir. Anti-terrorist groups and coastal security groups would be deployed. The Raths would move in police cordons. Over 200 CCTVs have been put at strategic points," the DGP said.
He said that an IG, an OSD, 14 SP cadre officers, 35 additional SPs, 80 DSPs, 109 inspectors. 641 ASIs and three companies of Rapid Action Force would be deployed. The police would identify highly jammed places through the integrated control room and control them accordingly, he said.
Meanwhile, small vendors on both sides of the Grand Road have been asked to vacate their places as per direction of the Odisha High Court issued on Tuesday.