Bhubaneswar: Ahead of a 12-hour statewide bandh in Odisha called by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) and the Naba Nirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan tomorrow, the State government directed district administrations to remain alert and take preventive and security measures.

The organisations have announced the bandh from 6 am to 6 pm over various demands. Major Opposition parties, including the BJD, Congress and Left parties, have extended support to the bandh.

In view of the proposed shutdown, the state Home (Special) Department has asked all district Collectors and District Magistrates to take necessary steps to maintain law and order.

In a letter to the district administrations, Home Department Joint Secretary Sharat Chandra Marandi directed the Collectors to take appropriate preventive and security measures to deal with any situation arising during the bandh.

The advisory said there could be attempts at road blockades, disruption of vehicular movement, burning of tyres and traffic congestion during the 12-hour bandh.

The district administrations have also been asked to make special arrangements to ensure that Central and state government offices function normally during the bandh.

Authorities have further been directed to closely monitor the situation and ensure that emergency services remain unaffected.

Security and law-and-order arrangements are expected to be strengthened across the state.