Puri: Police have beefed up security in the Holy City, a popular tourist destination in state, ahead of the New Year’s Day.
Usually, thousands of tourists from across the country and abroad gather in the city to celebrate the New Year.
Acting upon the direction of district superintendent of police Sarthak Sarangi, police have started checking vehicles at all entry and exit points to the city at night. Moreover, patrolling has also been tightened at night to avoid any untoward incident.
“Inspectors in-charge of all police stations in the city have been told to intensify patrolling at night and keep tab on the activities of antisocial elements. We are taking all possible steps to enhance security in and around Srimandir and on the city beach ahead of January 1,” said additional superintendent of police (headquarters) Pratap Kumar Swain.
According to Swain, as many as 25 platoons of armed police personnel have been deployed in the city to maintain law and order during the ongoing holiday season. “At present, altogether 15 platoons have been deployed in and around Srimandir to manage huge crowd and 10 platoons have been kept on alert on the city beach,” Swain said.
It is learnt that the administration would deploy 15 more platoons of armed police personnel in the city to ensure security for tourists and revelers December 31 and New Year’s Day.
“We would deploy 25 platoons on the Grand Road and in and around Srimandir. The remaining 15 platoons would be placed at all strategic places of the city on New Year’s Day, when lakhs of devotees would visit Srimandir,” Swain said.
The administration, meanwhile, has asked fire brigade personnel and lifeguards to remain on high alert to prevent drowning cases in the sea. “Steps are being taken to manage traffic during New Year’s Day,” Swain added.