Central Range IGP Dr Nayak Reviews Durga Puja Security, Visits Pandals
Desk,Odishabarta
Cuttack, October 19: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Dr Satyajit Nayak, has intensified efforts to ensure peaceful and safe Durga Puja celebrations across the region, visiting several puja pandals and reviewing security arrangements in the wake of the recent stampede incident in Kolkata. Dr Nayak offered prayers to Goddess Durga and extended festive greetings to the people of Odisha.
During his visits, he assessed crowd management, police deployment, traffic regulation and other arrangements to ensure the safety of devotees and facilitate smooth darshan. On October 18, Dr Nayak held a video conference with the Superintendents of Police of all districts under the Central Range to review security arrangements, force deployment and emergency preparedness for the ongoing festivities. Durga Puja is being celebrated at 1,243 mandaps across the Central Range, including prominent Shakti Peethas such as Maa Sarala, Maa Charchika, Maa Bhattarika and Maa Sirlo.
A total of 36 platoons of police personnel, along with Home Guards, have been deployed under the supervision of senior officers to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of devotees. During the review, the IGP directed district police chiefs to ensure effective crowd regulation, clearly marked and unobstructed entry and exit routes, smooth traffic movement, adequate lighting, fire safety measures and CCTV surveillance at important puja venues. Special attention was also directed towards Meena Bazaars, Ravan Podi venues and Ram Doli events, where large gatherings are expected. Police units have been instructed to identify vulnerable locations, prevent overcrowding and take immediate corrective measures in the event of sudden crowd surges.
The IGP also stressed the need for adequate emergency preparedness, including the availability of ambulances, medical assistance, fire services and unobstructed evacuation routes. Supervisory officers have been asked to personally verify security arrangements and coordinate closely with the district administration, health authorities, fire services, puja committees and volunteers. District police chiefs have also been directed to submit situation reports every two hours until the completion of the immersion process to facilitate continuous monitoring and a swift response to any emerging security concerns. Dr Nayak appealed to puja organisers, devotees and members of the public to cooperate with the police, follow crowd-control instructions and avoid spreading rumours or sharing unverified information on social media. He also urged people to refrain from drunk driving and comply with safety regulations during the festivities.
The police administration warned that violations of security instructions would invite appropriate legal action. Reaffirming that public safety remained the highest priority, the Central Range Police said they were committed to ensuring peaceful, orderly and secure celebrations. Dr Nayak prayed that Maa Durga would bless the people of Odisha with peace, happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being.
