Cuttack gears up for puja security

CUTTACK: Security and peaceful conduct of Kali Puja, Dhanteras and Diwali were discussed at a preparatory meeting conducted by the district administration here on Monday.
With nearly 76 puja committees gearing up to worship Goddess Kali in the city this year, Collector Susant Kumar Mahapatra emphasised on liquor-free procession for immersion ceremony and directed all line department officials to provide necessary requirements for the smooth conduct of the festivals. He also sought cooperation from the members of all Puja Committees in the city for peaceful celebration of the festival.

The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has also taken up measures to ensure cleanliness during Kali Puja and immersion. While manpower will be deployed different at puja mandaps for regular cleaning, two temporary ponds will be set up for immersion of idols, said CMC Commissioner Bikash Mahapatra.
Similarly, Commissionerate Police too has taken massive steps for the three events. “We have made requisition for 50 platoons of police force. “Police personnel shall be altered near different jewellery shops in view of rush for Dhanteras,” said DCP Akhilesvar Singh adding that special squads have also been formed to check untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, to tackle any mishap during celebration of Diwali in the city, State Fire Service has also initiated for setting up four temporary fire stations at Gaurishankar Park, Sishu Bhawan, Khannagar and College Square. While, fire stations at Buxi Bazar, Chauliaganj, CDA, Barang and Choudwar have been kept on alert, Mix-Bikes have also been kept ready to serve inaccessible localities, informed Assistant Fire Officer Pradip Kumar Rout.

Besides forming special squads along with police personnel to conduct checks to ensure sufficient storage of water, sand and wet gunny bags at different fireworks stalls, a control room will be operational at Buxi Bazar which will function round the clock from October 19 to October 22, Rout informed.