Ranchi district administration and police have chalked out an elaborate security plan for Puja by deploying as many as 100 volunteers from State Civil Defence Directorate, installing 216 CCTV cameras at 28 locations of the capital and using drones for crowd control.

Ranchi deputy commissioner Manoj Kumar and city SP Kishore Kaushal told the media on Wednesday that advisories had been issued to various puja organisers to ensure basic security measures like proper entry and exits at pandals, fire fighting equipment, CCTV cameras and medical facilities.

This year, capital Ranchi is set to hold around 148 pujas with the festive season beginning with Mahalaya (October 2). The five-day Puja begins with Shasti (October 7).

"The city has been divided into 18 sectors with a magistrate appointed for each. We will set up four control rooms. Policemen will be deployed at each pandal. No pandal will be allowed to hold puja without fire safety measures, CCTV, proper electric wiring," DC Kumar said, adding that the guidelines issued to organiser were mandatory and would have to be adhered to.

Police control rooms would be set up at Bariatu, Doranda, Argora and Pandra, while the Ranchi SSP's office would act as the hub. For better mobility and real time information, all 30 police control room (PCR) vans would be equipped with GPS systems.

"Six PCR vans are fitted with GPS systems and the process is on to equip the remaining vans," said Ranchi SP.

Police will also use drone cameras in crowded localities. And in the coming days, traffic routes would be finalised to ensure smooth movement of vehicles.

Kumar also held a meeting with members of Puja and Mohurram committees of various localities given that Mohurram is to be observed on October 12, a day after Vijaya Dashami.

"Members of most Mohurram committees have promised not to take out processions this time, while few have not yet revealed plans. Accordingly, we will chalk out routes for Durga Puja and Mohurram processions. But puja committees have been asked to complete immersions latest by the afternoon of October 12," he said.