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Bhubaneswar festive season security and preparations

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2026-10-19 17:03 UTC → 2026-10-22 06:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Bhubaneswar is preparing for the upcoming festive season amid infrastructure and security concerns. Initially, the city faced significant traffic disruptions caused by ongoing siphon road construction between Laxmisagar and Badagada, alongside failures of automated traffic signals at major junctions like Kalpana and Laxmisagar Squares. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) implemented temporary iron railings for the construction route, which reportedly left minimal space for vehicles and resulted in damage to numerous vehicles. These issues necessitated manual traffic management by wardens and constables. As the festivities approached, the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police announced an enhanced security strategy involving increased patrolling, the deployment of plainclothes officers, and requirements for puja committees to install CCTV cameras to prevent crimes such as chain-snatching. Authorities also intended to monitor for unauthorized donation collections and use photographs of habitual offenders to assist in identification. By mid-October, Odisha police implemented high-alert security and crowd management measures for Durga Puja. Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra stated that authorities are utilizing CCTV and facial recognition cameras to prevent theft. In Bhubaneswar, police classified approximately 200 pandals into three categories—A, B, and C—based on anticipated footfall to ensure targeted resource deployment. To manage the influx of people, mobile units and a rapid response strike force have been deployed. Specialized safety measures include eight rescue teams trained in advanced life support and crowd surge management, working alongside the Odisha Fire Services and Home Guard Department. Traffic restrictions have also been enacted, including the diversion of heavy vehicles and enforcement against stopping on flyovers for social media content. For the Durga Puja idol immersion processions, known as Dussehra Bhasani Utsav, the Deputy Commissioner of Police has banned the use of DJ music, warning that violators will face equipment seizure and criminal charges. Organizers are encouraged to use traditional musical instruments instead.

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