Durga Puja 2024: Commissionerate Police launches ‘Operation Tribhuj’ for crowd and traffic control

Keeping in view the huge rush during Durga Puja, the Commissionerate Police on Friday launched ‘Operation Tribhuj’ for crowd management. As the name suggests, the operation has merged three systems – CCTV cameras, drones, and police personnel equipped with VHF sets.

Comprising of 1000 CCTV surveillance systems of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL), two drone cameras, and police personnel on the ground, the new project will focus on better crowd control, traffic management, and prevention of thefts at Puja pandals in the capital city of Bhubaneswar.

Police personnel have been engaged in BSCL control rooms between 5pm and 12 am when there is a maximum rush of pandal hoppers.  The drones are used to keep an eye on vehicular movements. On noticing traffic congestion, cops in the control room inform the motorcycle patrolling teams on the ground for necessary action and clearance.

This will help police personnel to effectively control crowds and prevent crimes at Durga puja mandaps. ‘Operation Tribhuj’ has been launched on a pilot basis. If the operation proves to be successful, it will be implemented on a larger scale during major events and festivals.

“Sincere efforts are being made to ensure that citizens do not face any inconvenience. The three systems have been merged to make traffic flow smooth, regulate crowd and immediately respond in case of theft of valuables like gold ornaments or two-wheelers,” Additional CP Umashankar Dash said.

Similarly, Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra said, “Our personnel have been keeping round-the-clock watch on the feeds of Tribhuj and responding to emergency calls. Crowd control, traffic regulation, and vigilance on criminals, pickpockets, and snatchers are the main focus.”

The launch of ‘Operation Tribhuj’ has been followed by the introduction of ‘Shakti Bahini’, a team of 40 women police personnel. The ‘Shakti Bahini’ has been provided with bikes to patrol crowded mandaps and provide immediate assistance to devotees, especially to women and children in distress.