Bhubaneswar: With Durga Puja festivities drawing to an end, Odisha bid adieu to goddess Durga in carnival-like immersion ceremonies held across the State today.
Idols of goddess Durga from 162 pandals in Cuttack were lined up to be immersed at three temporary ponds set up at Debigada ghat. The idols of goddess Durga and other deities reached Debigada ghat through College Square, Ranihat, Manglabag, Buzibazaar, Darghabazaar and Choudhury bazaar in grand processions.
Similarly, the immersion of idols were done at three places in Bhubaneswar. Idols from 54 pandals reached the designated temporary ponds set up near Kuakhai, Daya and Bhargavi rivers on the outskirts of the city.
The Commissionerate Police has issued traffic advisory and has made massive arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of immersion of idols & hassle-free movement of traffic. As many as 57 platoons of police force have been deployed in the Silver city while CCTV cameras have been installed at important locations. Besides, 300 police officials, four additional DCPs, two companies of rapid action force and police personnel in civil dresses have been engaged to maintain law and order & prevent any untoward situation.
In Bhubaneswar, as many as 30 platoons of police force have been deployed to maintain law and order while traffic restrictions have been imposed in some routes to avoid congestion. No vehicle will be allowed to move between Vani Vihar and Janpath, Jaydev Vihar and CRP Square, Damana and Kalinga Hospital during idol immersion ceremony.
In order to keep an eye on noise pollution, a special team comprising members of the state pollution control board has been formed.