Bhubaneswar: In response to the recent military conflict with Pakistan, the Government of Odisha has implemented a state-wide security alert and significantly tightened security measures at vital installations and public spaces across the state.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took stock of situation. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, ACS Home Satyabrata Sahu, PS to CM Manoj Kumar Sahu were present in the meeting.
Key Installations Under Heightened Security:
Security has been substantially reinforced at several critical locations, including:
- Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur: Increased vigilance and access control measures are in place.
- Ordnance Factory, Balangir: Security protocols have been amplified to safeguard the facility.
- Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore: Security has been intensified around this crucial defense research and development establishment.
- INS Chilka: Naval installations are under heightened surveillance.
- Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), near Chhatrapur: Security measures have been strengthened at this strategic industrial unit.
Enhanced Security in Public Areas:
Crowded places are also under increased scrutiny to ensure public safety:
- Bhubaneswar Airport: Passengers are undergoing thorough checks at entry points and are advised to arrive early to facilitate smooth procedures.
- Railway Stations (Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri): Train passengers are subject to security checks.
- Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri: Pilgrims and locals are under close observation, with increased police presence and surveillance.
- Hirakud Dam, Sambalpur: The reservoir has been closed to visitors indefinitely as a precautionary measure. A three-layer security system, equipped with modern weaponry, is in place, restricting access to authorized personnel only.
High-Level Security Meeting at ITR Chandipur:
A crucial emergency meeting held at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Eastern Range, Satyajit Naik, chaired the meeting at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), a key DRDO laboratory. Senior security officials from the district police, coastal security, and DRDO participated in discussions to coordinate security strategies and responses.
Intensified Security in Puri:
Puri, a major pilgrimage center, is under stringent surveillance. Sri Jagannath Temple is the attraction of devotees across the country and abroad. So security arrangements has been tightened. Security personnel are meticulously verifying the identification documents of guests in hotels and lodges. Thorough searches are being conducted throughout the city to preempt any potential threats. Police are actively patrolling the streets to monitor and address any suspicious activities.
Fuel and LPG Supply Assurance:
The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has reassured the public that there are ample stocks of fuel and LPG available nationwide, and supply operations are proceeding without disruption. IOCL has urged citizens to refrain from panic buying to ensure a seamless supply chain and uninterrupted access to fuel for everyone.
Postponement of CA Exams:
In a related development, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced the postponement of the remaining Chartered Accountancy (CA) examinations scheduled for May 2025. This includes the CA Intermediate and CA Final exams that were to be held on May 9 and May 14.
The State Government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and vital infrastructure in the wake of the ongoing military conflict. These heightened security measures are being implemented as a precautionary step to safeguard the state from any potential threats. Authorities are urging the public to cooperate with the security personnel and remain vigilant.