60 platoons police force deployed as security tightened ahead of New Year celebrations in Puri

With the year drawing to a close and devotees already thronging the pilgrim town, Puri Police have put in place extensive security and crowd management arrangements to ensure public safety and the smooth conduct of New Year celebrations on December 31 and January 1.

Anticipating a significant influx of devotees and tourists, the police administration has mobilised a large force and implemented detailed logistical plans across the city.

According to official sources, more than 60 platoons of police personnel have been deployed at key locations, including the Shree Jagannath Temple, the sea beach area and major thoroughfares in the town. The deployment is aimed at managing crowd movement, maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of visitors.

Traffic management measures and crowd control protocols have also been put in place to handle the expected surge in footfall and prevent congestion at critical points. A traffic advisory issued by the police outlines designated parking zones and specific entry and exit routes for vehicles to ensure smooth movement and avoid bottlenecks.

To further strengthen the security grid, police personnel have undergone briefings and training sessions focusing on crowd regulation, formation of human chains and emergency response mechanisms. Officers have been tasked with assisting devotees and tourists, maintaining discipline and preventing any untoward incidents during the peak celebration period.

The heightened security comes amid long queues of devotees at the Shree Jagannath Temple ahead of the New Year, with officials expecting heavy footfall over the next 48 hours. Authorities have also coordinated with disaster response teams and traffic officials to closely monitor public safety and ensure swift assistance wherever required.

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Police have appealed to visitors to cooperate with security arrangements, adhere to the traffic advisory and maintain disciplined conduct throughout the festivities in the pilgrim town.