Puri: More than 3 lakh tourists are likely visit Puri for the New Year celebrations, with police making extensive preparations like strict regulations imposed on entry and exit from the Jagannath Temple.
Puri SP Vinit Agrawal on Sunday told the media, “On Dec 31 and Jan 1, devotees will only be allowed to enter the temple through the Singhadwar. The other three gates will be used for exit. Special provisions have been made for elderly and disabled persons. The stretch from Medical Square to Temple Road will be a ‘no-vehicle zone’. Additionally, the police will conduct strict checks at all entry points across the city.”
Puri police stated that 60 platoons of forces will be deployed for the New Year. In addition, 120 lifeguards will be stationed at the sea beach for security. To ensure the safety of devotees, the temple premises will be divided into two sections. Separate security arrangements will be made both inside and outside the temple. A barricade system will be set up from Market Square to the temple. Furthermore, a 24-hour control room will be made operational.
For traffic management, a ‘no-vehicle zone’ will be implemented from Subhash Bose Square to the lighthouse. Various hotels in Puri will host ‘zero-night’ celebrations and all will be under surveillance. An anti-snatching team has also been formed. Separate security arrangements have also been made at other tourist places such as Konark, Satapada, Ramchandi, Jahania Pir and Baliharachandi, the release stated.