Post News Network
Puri, July 3: Orissa Police Sunday organised an orientation programme for security personnel deployed in the holy town here for the upcoming Rath Yatra of the Srimandir deities, scheduled for July 6.
DGP KB Singh, who presided over the programme, laid down several guidelines for security personnel to avoid any untoward incident during the annual mega event. Inspector general (operation) Soumendra Priyadarshi asked the police personnel not to desert their duty posts on the occasion of Nabajauban Darshan and Rath Yatra.
“Security personnel deployed for the car festival have been asked to carry raincoats with them. They have been directed to act in cooperation with Srimandir servitors,” said Priyadarshi.
IG Sanjeev Panda laid emphasis on proper traffic management during the annual event. “This year, the security personnel will have to be more careful while managing traffic. There can be traffic snarls as a railway over-bridge at Samjajpur has been closed for heavy vehicles. Only light vehicles may roll on the bridge,” Panda said.
Panda also asked the police personnel to help motorists by providing them information on traffic regulations. “Police officials have been asked to contact the control room if they find a suspicious person or object. As many as 578 VHF sets have been distributed among security personnel for sharing information,” Panda said.
According to sources, altogether 145 platoons of armed police personnel, 750 police officials, 2,000 home guards and 16 IPS officers will be deployed to maintain law and order during Rath Yatra.
“We have planned to deploy two anti-terrorist squads, two Rapid Action Force teams and 10 platoons of the elite Special Operation Group personnel to meet any eventuality,” said the DGP.