With the festive season set to begin shortly, the Odisha State Police has put in place comprehensive security arrangements to ensure all celebrations pass off peacefully.
A high-level review meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania through video conferencing.
The upcoming festivals include Dola Purnima on March 3, Holi on March 4, Eid-ul-Fitr on March 21, Sri Ram Navami on March 27, and both Hanuman Jayanti and Maha Bisuba Sankranti on April 14.
Giving topmost priority to the safety and security of citizens, DGP Khurania issued clear instructions to all senior officers for maintaining a calm and orderly atmosphere. He laid special emphasis on massive police deployment and strict monitoring of social media to prevent rumours, misinformation and inflammatory content. Cyber cells in every district have been directed to conduct round-the-clock patrolling across all major social media platforms.
Additional measures include intensified patrolling and checking in sensitive areas, fool-proof security during processions and rallies, installation of CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations, collection of intelligence inputs, formation of peace committees, regular meetings with community groups and local public representatives, and prompt action against habitual offenders.
DGP Khurania also ordered strict action against drunk driving, traffic violations, DJ noise pollution, rumour-mongers, and directed special security arrangements for padyatras and bike rallies. All officers have been told to remain fully prepared to handle any untoward incident.
The meeting was attended by Additional Director General of Police (Modernisation) Saumendra Priyadarshi, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar, IG of Police (Personnel) S. Praveen Kumar, DIG of Police (Provisioning) Charan Singh Meena, DIG of Police (Personnel) Yugal Kishore Kumar Banoth, along with all Range IGs/DIGs and District Superintendents of Police through video link.
