Sea security cover planned for Nabakalebar

Coastguard boats would keep watch on the Puri beach during the Nabakalebar 2015 festival and close circuit TV cameras would be installed at strategic locations in Puri town during the Rath yatra festival.

This was decided at a meeting here presided over by Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Aditya Prasad Padhi. DGP Sanjeev Marik, Home Principal Secretary Asit Tripathy, SJTA Chief Administrator Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, Director of Intelligence Sunil Roy and other senior officials were present.

The meeting decided to deploy the Coastguard vessels off the Puri beach apparently in the wake of a threat perception during the festival during which over 40 lakh pilgrims and tourists are expected to gather in the town. It was also decided to instal CCTVs at all vantage points of the Puri town to keep a close watch on movement of people and thwart any attempt to disrupt the festival by terror groups.

The State Government is also on the alert in the wake of intelligence inputs that terrorist groups may attempt to disrupt religious festivals in the country and does not want to take any chances.

Hoteliers in Puri have been strictly asked to verify the identity (ID) proof of tourists before alloting them rooms during Nabakalebara. Police also advised the hoteliers to upgrade their security apparatus.