BHUBANESWAR: The State Government, which is under fire over bungling during Brahma Parivartan of the deities and delay in completion of Nabakalebara infrastructure projects, on Tuesday decided to deploy 9,000 police personnel for security measures during Rath Yatra at Puri.
A decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Secretariat here. Two platoons of Quick Rapid Action Force will be deployed to deal with any emergency situation. Besides, three interceptor boats will be deployed for coastal security during the festival which is likely to attract more than 30 lakhs visitors.
The security personnel will comprise 12 commandant/superintendent of police rank officials, 30 additional superintendents of police, 70 deputy superintendents of police, 105 inspectors of police, 500 constables and 2,500 homeguards, Director General of police Sanjib Marik told mediapersons.
Work on police control room, CCTV installation and watch tower construction has been completed. It was decided that information on traffic will be provided to visitors through 20 big LED television screens. All information on traffic regulations will be published in a booklet form and distributed. Besides, 27 parking places have been set up. While three unsafe buildings on the Grand Road were demolished, the rest have been sealed.