Cuttack, Aug. 3 (UDN): To enhance the safety of Kanwariyas undertaking the annual Shravan pilgrimage, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police on Sunday launched a special road safety initiative by distributing reflective jackets and reflective tapes to devotees collecting holy water from the Mahanadi Ghat in Cuttack.
The move is aimed at improving the visibility of pilgrims travelling during the night and early morning hours, thereby reducing the risk of road accidents on busy highways leading to major Shiva temples across the region.
Commissioner of Police Dr. Suresh Dev Datta Singh visited the Mahanadi Ghat to review security, traffic management and pilgrim facilities. He said comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure the safe and smooth movement of thousands of Kanwariyas heading towards prominent shrines, including the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.
To regulate the large influx of devotees, the Commissionerate Police have installed barricades at key points around the ghat to streamline pedestrian movement and prevent overcrowding. Around eight platoons of police personnel have been deployed by the Cuttack Urban Police District (UPD), while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been stationed to respond to emergencies.
Authorities have also established temporary washroom facilities and a 24-hour control room to monitor the pilgrimage. Police officials are working in three shifts to provide continuous surveillance, traffic regulation and emergency assistance throughout the pilgrimage period.
Appealing for public cooperation, the Commissioner urged Kanwariyas to walk in a single file, adhere to designated routes and follow traffic instructions to minimise disruptions and ensure their own safety. He also appealed to motorists to drive responsibly, maintain speed limits and remain alert while passing through routes frequented by pilgrims.
“Reflective jackets and tapes are being distributed to improve the visibility of Kanwariyas travelling at night. The initiative yielded positive results last year by enhancing road safety, and we expect it to be equally effective this year,” Dr. Singh said.
Police officials expressed confidence that the extensive security arrangements, combined with active cooperation from devotees and commuters, would help ensure a peaceful, orderly and accident-free Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Shravan.