[Puri, 12/1 : ] With the holy city bracing for a massive influx of devotees for the upcoming Makar Sankranti and the grand Magha Mela at Chandrabhaga, the Odisha Police top brass convened a high-level strategy meeting here today to finalize a ‘zero-error’ security grid.
The review, chaired by the Additional Director General (Law & Order) alongside the Inspector General (Central Range) and Puri Superintendent of Police, comes just days after a minor disruption in darshan rituals sparked concerns over coordination between the police and temple servitors. Today’s meeting explicitly focused on plugging those gaps to ensure a seamless experience for the lakhs of pilgrims expected over the next fortnight.
Strategic Deployment & Traffic Overhaul
Sources privy to the discussion revealed that the security arrangement for Makar Sankranti (January 14) will see the deployment of over 45 platoons of police force. The blueprint includes a multi-layered security cordon around the Srimandir (Jagannath Temple) and a specialized traffic diversion plan for the Konark Marine Drive route in anticipation of the Magha Saptami rush.
“Our primary objective is to balance high-security vigilance with devotee convenience,” a senior official stated post-meeting. “We have identified specific choke points near the Market Chhak and the Grand Road (Bada Danda) where crowd pressure peaks. Rapid Action Force (RAF) units will be stationed there to prevent stampede-like situations.”
Tech-Driven Surveillance
In a fresh spin on traditional policing, the meeting emphasized the integration of AI-powered surveillance. The existing CCTV network has been bolstered with face-recognition cameras at all four gates of the 12th-century shrine. Additionally, drone units will be deployed to monitor the coastline during the holy dip at Chandrabhaga, ensuring safety against strong tides.
Queue Management & JTP Coordination
Addressing the recent friction regarding queue management, the administration has laid out a strict protocol for the ‘Srimandir Parikrama’ corridor. A joint coordination committee comprising senior police officers and Jagannath Temple Police (JTP) commanders has been formed to manage the flow of devotees from the barricades to the sanctum sanctorum. The ‘Queue System’ will be strictly enforced from Marichikote Chhak to avoid overcrowding at the Singhadwara.
Beach Safety Protocols
With Makar Sankranti synonymous with ritualistic sea bathing, the Fire Services and lifeguards have been put on high alert. Watchtowers are being erected along the Golden Beach and Digabareni stretch, with public address systems playing continuous safety advisories in Odia, Hindi, and Bengali.
The meeting concluded with a directive to all station officers to maintain a “devotee-friendly” approach while remaining uncompromising on security threats.
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