Puri: In view of influx devotees to Puri during Panchuka and Kartika Purnima, the district police has made elaborate security arrangements in the pilgrim town.

Speaking to media, district SP Sarthak Sarangi said lakhs of people throng to the centuries-old temple during the holy month of Kartika. In view of the rush, the arrangements have been segregated for Kartika Purnima this time

Sarangi said, “After 'Anla Nabami', 15 platoons of police force will be deployed for Panchuka from November 18 to 22 to ensure a hassle-free darshan for devotees inside Srimandir. Besides, 40 platoons of police force will be deployed outside the temple and its surrounding areas and at the sea beach on the day of Kartika Purnima on November 23 for smooth flow of traffic in the holy town.”

He further said that Red Cross volunteers from Puri and Bhubaneswar will be roped in for traffic management and various sanitation drives here.

This apart, fishermen, life guards and police forces will be engaged at the sea beach in view of heavy rush for Boita Bandana', the ritual of sailing miniature boats, on the day of Kartika Purnima .