Bhubaneswar, Feb 26: Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, chairing a preliminary preparation meeting, directed the state police department and Puri District Collector to prepare the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on the preparations for the smooth conduct of the holy Ratha Yatra at Puri.

The statement issued by the Odisha Govt says that the discussions primarily focused on crowd management and security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the Ratha Yatra, which is set to begin June 27.

In a bid to control crowd, better traffic management, check criminal activities and, ensure law and order, the state police administration has proposed the installation of 343 CCTV cameras at key locations.

Besides, the identified locations inside Puri, CCTVs will be installed from Uttara Square to Malatipatapur, Puri Grid Station to Konark, Balighai to Nimapara, Mangala Ghat to Satapada, and other crucial points such as bus stands, railway stations, as well as parking areas.

An Integrated Command and Control Center will be set up at Puri during the Ratha Yatra, with officers from various departments stationed at the control room. The system will facilitate real-time monitoring, crime prevention, crowd control, emergency response, and disaster management.

Furthermore, special attention was also given to public announcement systems to ensure smooth communication during the grand event.

As per the report, the meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania, Puri Collector, Superintendent of Police (SP), and other senior officials.

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