Bhubaneswar, Aug. 14: Police have tightened security across the city ahead of tomorrow's state-level Independence Day parade at Mahatma Gandhi Marg here.
The cops have also imposed traffic restrictions for the parade.
According to a notification issued by the police, no heavy vehicles would be allowed to ply towards Master Canteen Square, either from the Ram Mandir crossing or Raj Mahal Square, during the parade. However, no such restrictions would be imposed for two-wheelers and other light vehicles. There is also a complete ban on the entry of vehicles to Mahatma Gandhi Marg during the parade. Similarly, no vehicles would be allowed to come towards Rabindra Mandap Square from Housing Board Square. These would be diverted at Keshari Talkies Square towards the left lane.
"No vehicles will be allowed to move towards PMG Square from AG Square and diverted from Jayadev Bhavan towards Idcol Auditorium. All vehicles coming from 120 Battalion Square towards Rabindra Mandap will be diverted at the MLA Colony crossing towards Unit-IV," said a police officer.
The cops have also identified seven parking lots in and around Mahatma Gandhi Marg for vehicles to park during the parade. These are located near BDA Bus Stand near the railway station and open spaces in front of Congress Bhavan, Idcol Auditorium, Jayadev Bhavan, SBI (Unit-III), inside Rabindra Mandap (through the back gate) and Unit-II Girls' High School ground.
The sale of balloons and any dangerous or explosive substances would be prohibited in the area between PMG Square and Master Canteen Square from 6.30 in the morning till the end of the parade as a precautionary measure after around 20 persons suffered burn injuries when a gas cylinder meant to fill balloons exploded during Republic Day celebrations in 2002 at Mahatma Gandhi Marg.
Around 25 platoons of police, along with 200 police officers and personnel of the Odisha Swift Action Force, will be deployed in and around the area during the parade. The police said night patrolling had been intensified with searches being carried out on all vehicles entering the city. The cops have also issued an advisory for residents to carry identity proofs while travelling at night.
"Around eight platoons of police have been be pressed into action at various entry and exit points and concerned police stations have been asked to visit hotels and check their incumbency chart. Armed police personnel have been engaged at various points to check the vehicles coming into the city," said Bhubaneswar deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi.
The cops will also install around 50 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at Mahatma Gandhi Marg.
"CCTVs will be installed on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and on various lanes and bylanes on the stretch to keep an eye on the entire area," police commissioner Y.B. Khurania said yesterday.
That apart, an anti-sabotage team along with a sniffer dog squad will be deployed for anti-explosive checks at various strategic locations in the city, including Baramunda bus terminal, the railway station and the airport. The police will keep tabs on the movement of vehicles from Nakhara, Uttara Square, Nandankanan, Pokhariput-Jatni Road.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik and other senior officials and bureaucrats will be in attendance during the parade in the state capital.
