In the wake of Monday's explosion near Delhi's Red Fort, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued strict directives for impeccable security arrangements ahead of the highly anticipated T20 international between India and South Africa at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium.
High-Level Security Review Meeting
Chairing a crucial preparatory meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister Majhi instructed police and administrative officials to implement comprehensive safety protocols for both players and spectators. The December 9 match will see enhanced security measures following the recent security breach in the national capital.
"Public safety must be our top priority considering the recent blast in Delhi," emphasized CM Majhi. "Police personnel must maintain extra vigilance and ensure that no security aspect is overlooked for a smooth match experience."
Technical Upgrades to Prevent Disruptions
The state government has specifically directed the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) to install superior lighting systems at the stadium. This decision comes as a direct response to the 35-minute delay during the India-England ODI on February 9, when floodlight failure interrupted play after just 6.1 overs of India's innings.
OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera confirmed that additional generators would be deployed to guarantee uninterrupted power supply. "We are implementing new monitoring software that will automatically activate backup generators if the primary system fails, ensuring continuous illumination throughout the match," Behera assured.
Comprehensive Match-Day Planning
Recognizing the global attention the match will attract, CM Majhi stressed the importance of maintaining Odisha's reputation for successfully hosting international sporting events. "The entire nation and international community will be watching this game. All authorities must exercise heightened alertness," the Chief Minister stated.
An official release from the Chief Minister's Office highlighted that Barabati Stadium has consistently hosted well-managed matches and this event should reinforce Odisha's organizational excellence.
The Chief Minister has also ordered the creation of a green corridor to enable swift emergency medical evacuations if required. Officials have been tasked with ensuring seamless execution of all match-related operations including:
- Effective crowd management systems
- Streamlined ticketing processes
- Comprehensive traffic management plans
- Adequate healthcare services
The OCA received specific instructions against overselling tickets beyond the stadium's 45,000-seat capacity. Association functionaries presented detailed plans covering ticket distribution, fire safety protocols, parking arrangements, and traffic management strategies.
"We will strictly follow government guidelines and coordinate closely with the commissionerate police through additional meetings to ensure perfect execution of all plans," Behera committed.
