Oct 22: Bhubaneswar is all set for the grand immersion of Goddess Durga idols on Thursday, bringing the week-long Durga Puja celebrations to a close. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has arranged six temporary immersion sites, while Commissionerate Police has deployed 48 platoons and about 100 officers across the city to maintain law and order.
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Security And DJ Ban
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shravan M. Vivek said elaborate arrangements have been made for peaceful processions and immersion. DJ music has been strictly prohibited during the rallies; any violator risks seizure of equipment and registration of a criminal case, as the offence is cognizable.
The immersion processions will begin at 2 pm, with traffic restrictions remaining in force until 1 am. Police have also restricted vehicular movement on Janpath during the procession to ensure smooth passage of the medhas.
Procession Routes
The Nayapalli Puja Committee will lead a procession joined by 20 other puja committees. It will start at Nayapalli Square and move through CRP Square, DAV Square, Gopabandhu Square, Siripur and Airport Chhak. Vehicles heading towards Jaydev Vihar from CRP Square will be diverted through Ekamra Park Road.
The Sahid Nagar committee’s 24 pandals will begin from Sahid Nagar and proceed via Ram Mandir and Master Canteen to Rajmahal Square. During this movement, vehicles will be routed through Sachivalaya Marg and nearby roads.
In North Bhubaneswar, two committees will assemble at Club Town Apartment Ground and Damana Ground before proceeding towards NALCO Square. Vehicles travelling from Nandankanan Square towards Jaydev Vihar will be diverted through connecting roads near KIIT or Kalarahanga Square.
Immersion Arrangements
The BMC has created temporary ponds at Palasuni, Hansapal, Basuaghai and Tankapani Road near the Kuakhai river, and at Lingipur near the Daya river. Additional immersion points have been set up near Centurion University, Chandaka and the Kushabhadra river.
JCBs, tractors, hydras and support teams will be stationed at the immersion sites. Dedicated approach roads and lighting arrangements have also been prepared to ensure safe and orderly idol immersion.
