Bhubaneswar/Cuttack : With the twin city gearing up for the Durga Puja, the Commissionerate Police on Tuesday held a preparatory meeting here at the Headquarters to make the upcoming Puja festivities in the both cities hassle-free.
Chaired by Police Commissioner YB Khurania, the meeting was attended by DCP Satyabrata Bhoi, Fire Brigade personnel, Durga Puja Committee members, local police officers and officials of various departments.
The agenda of discussion varied from issues relating to power supply and smooth flow of traffic during the festival to ensure safety of people.
Khurania said elaborate arrangements have been made for vehicular traffic management and upkeep of law and order situation during the Durga Puja, Ravana Podi Utsav and idol immersion.
"Police would begin a special drive to book criminals and habitual offenders to keep crime at bay before the commencement of the grand festival," he added.
“We have requested all Puja Committees that they should ensure public safety as top priority and not compromise with fire and electricity safety measures. Also, they are requested to deploy more number of volunteers and install CCTV cameras at Puja Pandals to keep a close watch on anti-social elements and other disturbances," said Khurania.
While a total of 172 pandals were registered last year for Durga Puja, registration is on for this year’s festival which is likely to exceed the previous number. Also, BMC would come up with six artificial ponds to facilitate the idol immersions, sources said.