Cuttack: The Commissionerate Police (CP) would deploy altogether 32 platoons of armed police personnel in the city for the smooth organisation of Kartikeswar puja that commences November 23.
A decision to this effect was taken at a preparatory meeting for the festival recently. This year, Lord Kartikeswar would be worshipped at 87 puja pandals across the city, sources said.
The immersion ceremony would be organised for two days starting November 24.
“We would deploy 32 platoons of armed police personnel to maintain law and order during Kartikeswar puja. CCTVs would be installed at all strategic places in the city to keep tabs on anti-social elements and traffic issues. Fire brigade personnel would be put on high alert to deal with any mishap,” said deputy commissioner of police Akhileswar Singh.
The Commissionerate Police (CP), meanwhile, asked the puja committees not to use loudspeakers at their pandals after 10 pm. It has also put restrictions on cracker bursting during the festival.
“A procession for the immersion festival would start from Buxibazar Square and reach Kartikeswargada ghat of Mahanadi by passing through Mission Road, Chandi Square and Ring Road. The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) would dig two temporary ponds for immersion of idols,” said a senior police officer.