IG Central Range Reviews Security, Crowd Management Arrangements for Snana Purnima in Puri

Puri: With preparations underway for the annual Snana Purnima festival, Inspector General (IG) of Police, Central Range, Dr. Satyajit Naik on Monday conducted a comprehensive review of security, traffic, and crowd management arrangements in Puri to ensure the smooth conduct of the grand religious event.

Accompanied by Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh and other senior police and administrative officials, the IG visited the Shree Jagannath Temple and offered prayers before carrying out an extensive field inspection of key locations in the pilgrim town.

The review focused on strengthening security measures and ensuring effective crowd management for the festival, scheduled to be held on June 29. Officials discussed strategies to facilitate the orderly movement of devotees through designated entry and exit points at the temple, particularly during the Pahandi procession and the ceremonial bathing rituals on the Snana Bedi.

As part of the arrangements, adequate police personnel will be deployed at strategic locations, while dedicated traffic corridors will be established along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to prevent congestion and ensure unhindered movement of emergency vehicles.

The authorities also reviewed plans to enhance round-the-clock CCTV surveillance around the temple’s outer complex and other sensitive locations to monitor crowd density and maintain public safety.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Naik said the primary objective is to provide a safe, secure, and spiritually fulfilling experience for the lakhs of devotees expected to visit Puri during the festival. He added that the Odisha Police is working in close coordination with the temple administration to maintain effective security and crowd discipline throughout the event.

Devotees have been urged to cooperate with police personnel and follow the prescribed guidelines to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Snana Purnima celebrations.