BHUBANESWAR: Around 40 platoons of police force will be deployed for the security of President Ram Nath Kovind, who is scheduled to be on a two-day Odisha visit starting from February 19. During his visit, he will pay obeisance to the Lord Jagannath and attend some programmes in Puri.
The Puri district administration on Saturday conducted a high-level meeting on security arrangements of Kovind. Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh said they have made arrangements for a smooth visit of the President like last year according to the protocols and guidelines.
"We are deploying around 40 platoons of police force at different places and venues in Puri. About 200 police officers will be also deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the programmes. We are making all necessary arrangements so that the public and devotees will not face any inconvenience during the visit," said the SP.
Puri district collector Samarth Verma, who was present in the meeting, said they will shortly hold a meeting with sevayats and officials of the Jagannath Temple to divide the responsibilities among them for smooth darshan on the day of President’s visit.
Besides Jagannath darshan at around 5pm on February 19, Kovind will inaugurate the celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Srimad Bhakti Sidhant Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada, the founder of Goudiya Mission on the very next day. Later he will also visit Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Mutt before returning to Delhi.
On Friday, Narasingha Bhol, IG of police (central range), along with Puri SP had visited Jagannath Temple, Chaitanya Gaudiya Mutt and the Saradhabali ground to inspect the security arrangements ahead of the President's visit. "We are taking steps to make the security arrangements fool-proof during his Jagannath darshan and interaction with people," said Bhol.
Bhakti Vivek Paramarthi of Gaudiya Mutt said they are happy to welcome the President.
Sources said the complete tour itinerary of the President will be available soon. It will be his third time visit to the shrine.
