Bhubaneswar: As Durga Puja 2025 approaches, the Bhubaneswar Urban Police District (UPD) has rolled out extensive security measures under CCTV surveillance to ensure the smooth conduct of festivities and safeguard public safety.
This year, Bhubaneswar will host a total of 193 Puja Pandals, categorized into three groups:
- Category A: 48
- Category B: 71
- Category C: 68
Additional special events include 24 Gold/Silver/Mukuta pandals, 7 locations designated for Ravan Podi, 5 mass processions (Vasani), and 7 Minabazar events.
To enhance supervision and prevent disputes among Puja Committees, three Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank officers have been deployed from the Commissionerate Police Headquarters. Besides uniformed officers, plainclothes personnel have also been mobilized. CCTV cameras have been installed at all pandals to deter crimes such as snatching, theft, and other anti-social activities.
The comprehensive police deployment for law and order management includes:
- 3 DCPs
- 6 Deputy Commissioners / Additional DCPs
- 12 DSPs / ACPs / ACs
- 33 Inspectors
- 172 Sub-Inspectors / Assistant Sub-Inspectors
- 38 Platoons of police force
- 20 Platoons of Home Guards
- 79 Women Constables
- 1 Company of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
- 1 Unit of Special Tactical Unit (STU)
- Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad equipped with necessary tools
Fire safety arrangements have been coordinated with the Fire Services and a medical unit equipped with first-aid facilities will be stationed at Traffic Police Station-1 for emergency response. Separate arrangements are in place for cultural programs, and enhanced security measures have been extended to mosques and churches.
A dedicated team for photography and videography has been set up at the police control room to monitor activities closely. The Special Tactical Unit has also been deployed to address any potential radical threats.
The Commissionerate Police urges citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and celebrate Durga Puja in a safe and peaceful manner.
