Bhubaneswar: With Hanuman Jayanti celebrations scheduled for 14 April, the Odisha Administration and State Police has implemented stringent security measures across various cities in the state, including Sambalpur, to ensure peaceful and smooth observance.
A high-level meeting was convened today, presided over by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, with the participation of all Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Collectors via video conferencing.
The crucial meeting was also attended by ACS, Home Satyabrata Sahu, DGP Y B Khurania, ADG Law and Order Sanjay Kumar, and other senior police officials.
Briefing the media on the meeting’s outcomes, ADG Law and Order Sanjay Kumar stated, “We are fully prepared for the smooth celebration of Pana Sankranti and B R Ambedkar’s Jayanti tomorrow.” He emphasized the extensive security arrangements put in place across the state.
A substantial force of 200 platoons of police personnel will be deployed throughout Odisha. Additionally, 10 platoons of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and three platoons of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) will be strategically stationed in areas identified as sensitive or potentially prone to disturbances.
The ADG further informed that approximately 200 platoons of police forces will be positioned at key locations across the state to manage crowds and maintain order.
To enhance surveillance, a network of 650 CCTV cameras has been installed in major cities and towns along the procession routes. Furthermore, 40 drones will be deployed to provide live aerial feeds, which will be continuously monitored in integrated control rooms established at the district police headquarters.
Integrated control rooms have been set up in each district, with senior police officers tasked with overseeing operations. For larger districts, two to three sub-control rooms have been established to ensure comprehensive and localized monitoring.
Special attention has been given to Sambalpur city, which has witnessed incidents of violence in past years. To bolster security in the city, an additional 20 special vehicles equipped with 360-degree PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras have been deployed across Sambalpur. These vehicles will transmit real-time feeds directly to the police headquarters, enabling swift response to any untoward situation.
Furthermore, the Sambalpur district administration has taken an innovative step by installing 10 LCD screens in vulnerable pockets of the city. These screens will live telecast the movement of any potential trouble-makers, acting as a deterrent and aiding in immediate identification.
ADG Shri Kumar also mentioned that barricading will be implemented in sensitive zones, and officers involved in crowd control will be equipped with body-worn cameras to ensure better monitoring of their actions and enhance accountability.
“During the meeting, the DGP has issued a clear directive for taking strict action against anyone found disturbing public order, including miscreants and anti-social elements,” he asserted.
Acknowledging the prevailing heatwave conditions, ACS Home Shri Sahu has directed the police to take proactive measures to ensure the well-being of both the public and the personnel on duty. Arrangements for oral rehydration salts (ORS), drinking water, and ambulance services have been made available at strategic locations.
With these comprehensive security measures in place, the Odisha Police aims to ensure a peaceful and harmonious celebration of Hanuman Jayanti across the State on 14 April.