Kendrapada, (Reporterspen): As the Lakshmi Puja celebrations of Kendrapada complete 100 glorious years, the district police administration has made comprehensive and multi-layered security arrangements to ensure that the festivities are conducted peacefully, safely and without any disruption. Dr. Satyajit Naik, IGP, Central Range, Kataka, personally reviewed the arrangements and gave necessary directions to the officers concerned.
A large contingent has been deployed across the town for the occasion. This includes 22 platoons of police force, 2 ASPs, 10 DySPs and 20 IICs, supported by 150 SIs and ASIs, 250 constables and 300 Home Guards. In addition, 8 Dragging Teams, each led by one Inspector and one platoon of force, have been formed to handle crowd movement and emergencies. Six temporary outposts have been set up at key locations, while Striking Forces and bike patrolling units will keep a constant watch on the ground.
Technology has been extensively used to strengthen vigilance. A control room is functioning round the clock, 24×7 and 32 CCTV cameras have been installed across the town to monitor crowded areas. Body-worn cameras have been provided to SIs and IICs for transparency and accountability and drone surveillance is being carried out to keep an aerial watch on large gatherings. Special parking and traffic arrangements have also been made to ensure hassle-free movement for devotees and visitors. To protect women and the public from crime, Anti-Snatching Teams and Anti-Eve-Teasing Teams are operating in plain clothes.
Following the review, a flag march was conducted, led by the IGP, Central Range, along with Siddharth Kataria, IPS, SP, Kendrapada, to instill confidence among the public and send a firm message to anti-social elements. For the immersion procession, 35 platoons of police force will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure that the event concludes smoothly.
The police administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with the police, follow traffic and parking guidelines, avoid spreading or believing rumours, and immediately inform the control room or the nearest police officer about any suspicious person or activity.
