Elaborate Security, Traffic Measures Put in Place for Shrabana Mela Across Central Odisha

Cuttack: The Odisha Police have stepped up security and traffic arrangements across the Central Range districts for the ongoing Shrabana Mela (Bol Bom) to ensure the safe and orderly movement of thousands of Kaudias and devotees.

The special arrangements are being implemented on the four Mondays of Shraban — August 3, 10, 17 and the upcoming August 24. Large numbers of devotees undertake journeys carrying holy water from rivers such as the Prachi and Bhargavi to Shiva temples, including the revered Loknath Temple.

Police personnel have been deployed at major Shiva temples, along important routes, river-crossing points, traffic junctions and other sensitive locations. The arrangements focus on crowd control, traffic management, safe movement of devotees and prevention of untoward incidents.

Puri

In Puri district, security measures have been strengthened at major religious sites including Shree Loknath Dev Temple, Jodalinga Shiva Temple and Balikapileswar Temple.

Police deployment has also been made at key traffic points, with three NH patrolling vehicles pressed into service, besides arrangements around the Bhargavi River under Chandanpur Police Station.

The deployment includes 3 Additional SPs, 10 DSPs/ACs, 17 Inspectors, 66 SIs/ASIs, 20 Havildars, 66 Constables/Women Constables, 12 platoons and two sections of force, along with 253 Home Guards.

Cuttack

At Dhabaleswar Shiva Temple under Gurudijhatia Police Station, authorities are preparing for a turnout of more than 50,000 devotees, including women and children. Six platoons of force, supported by officers and personnel from different ranks, have been deployed.

At Singhanath Shiva Temple under Badamba Police Station, around 3,500 to 4,000 devotees are expected. One platoon of force has been deployed along with additional personnel from the district headquarters and Athagarh Sub-Division.

Nayagarh

Nayagarh has also made extensive arrangements at prominent Shiva temples. Around 20,000 to 25,000 devotees are expected at Ladukeswar Temple under Saranakul Police Station, while Dutikeswar Temple under Odagaon Police Station is likely to witness 10,000 to 15,000 devotees.

Adequate numbers of DSPs, Inspectors, SIs/ASIs, constables, armed police personnel and Home Guards have been deployed at the two major temples. Security arrangements have also been extended to 12 other Shiva temples across the district.

Jagatsinghpur

Police arrangements have been made across several Shiva temples falling under 10 police station areas, including Jagatsinghpur, Biridi, Naugaon, Raghunathpur, Tirtol, Balikuda, Paradeep Lock, Kujanga and Bandar Marine.

Two platoons of force, supported by officers and other personnel, have been deployed. At Gorekhnath Shiva Temple under Tirtol Police Station, two sections of force have been assigned specifically for security and crowd management.

Jajpur

In Jajpur, security measures have been put in place at Shiva temples under Badachana, Dharmasala, Kuakhia, Jajpur Town, Binjharpur and Panikoili police stations.

Seven sections of force, along with officers and personnel of various ranks, have been deployed to manage crowds and ensure smooth movement of devotees.

Khordha and Kendrapara

In Khordha district, all police stations have been alerted and sensitised about the movement of Kaudias through their respective jurisdictions, particularly along routes used for carrying holy water to Shiva temples.

Similarly, police stations across Kendrapara have been instructed to remain alert regarding the movement of Bol Bom devotees. Special attention is being given to Kaudias travelling through the Rajkanika Police Station area towards Aradi Shiva Temple in Bhadrak. Arrangements have also been made to facilitate their safe movement across water routes, including boat crossings.

Police Urge Devotees to Follow Safety Guidelines

Police officials have been directed to maintain coordination with temple authorities, local administration and other stakeholders throughout the festival period. Crowd management, traffic regulation, river crossings and the safe movement of Kaudias remain among the key priorities.

Devotees have been urged to follow designated routes and crossing points, comply with traffic and safety instructions and avoid overcrowding. They have also been advised to cooperate with police personnel deployed along the routes and at temple premises.

The Central Range Police said the arrangements are aimed at ensuring a safe, peaceful and well-regulated Shrabana Mela, while allowing devotees to undertake their religious journey without disruption.