Cuttack, Nov. 24: The weeklong Bali yatra festival, which draws lakhs of visitors from across the state, will begin here tomorrow.

Police today reviewed the preparations ahead of the festival. Anticipating a heavy footfall of visitors, heavy police deployment has been made. In a bid to avert any kind of terror or criminal act, a dedicated anti-sabotage team has been formed.

A team of anti-terrorist squad of the police will be deployed along with two units of the Special Operations Group to deal with any crisis at the Bali Yatra ground, which has been divided into six sectors.

A special squad has been formed to keep watch on all hotels and lodges and track down criminals.

"Adequate security arrangements have been made for the safety of the visitors. We have decided to deploy the anti-sabotage team and bomb units to thwart any kind of suspected activities during the fair," said police commissioner R.P. Sharma.

Sharma said 43 platoons of police force would be deployed for better crowd and traffic management during the festival. Over 300 officers will be on patrol duty inside the fair to keep watch on any kind of suspicious activities.

Besides the eight identified parking lots near Bali yatra ground, two more have been identified to accommodate vehicles.

"We have made special arrangements to ensure that regular law and order is also maintained in the city. Over 21 PCR (police control room) vans, along with motorcycle patrolling units, will also be pressed into service," Sharma said.

District administration officials said nearly 1,500 stalls will be the centre of attraction at the fair. A dedicated pavilion of Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society will be a major crowd puller this time also.