Cops plan enhanced security for Rath Yatra in Puri this year
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Bhubaneswar:
Odisha police
plan to enhance security deployment for this year's Rath Yatra at Puri, considering the current Indo-Pak tensions, according to police sources.Director general of police Y B Khurania and over a dozen other senior IPS officers began the exercise by undertaking a comprehensive security assessment on Monday at Puri for the forthcoming annual festival, scheduled for June 27.
Timing of the security review assumes significance due to the present security dynamics in the country.Following the Pahalgam terror incident and Operation Sindoor, the govt has already enhanced security measures at the historic 12th century shrine with armed commandos and light armoured vehicle (LAV) deployment.The DGP examined the security arrangements at the Jagannath temple and Ratha Khala, a workplace near the temple where the chariot construction is going on.Anticipating the arrival of over 10 lakh devotees, the DGP emphasised comprehensive CCTV monitoring. He noted that live surveillance and crowd control would be essential for public safety. The DGP's meeting focused on gathering intelligence and securing the Puri coastline against possible seaborne threats."Last year's Rath Yatra saw the deployment of around 6,500 police personnel, including 180 platoons of state force. This year, we intend to increase the deployment in view of the heightened border tensions. The exact size and nature of the deployment will be finalised soon," a senior police officer told TOI, without disclosing much for security reasons.DGP Khurania said massive preparations are underway. "A foolproof security arrangement is being finalised for the safe and smooth conduct of Rath Yatra. Safety of devotees, security of Jagannath temple, crowd control and traffic management are our focus areas," Khurania said. He detailed extensive security measures for this global event, taking into account the expected crowds and VIP visitors.Officials are taking precautions to avoid possible stampedes during chariot pulling. The previous Rath Yatra on July 7, 2024 recorded one death and over 300 people fainting among roughly 10 lakh attendees. A disturbance near Lord Balabhadra's chariot at 6.30 pm during the pulling ceremony caused several injuries.Continuing previous practices, police authorities will use AI-enabled CCTV cameras and drone monitoring along the Grand Road facing the Jagannath temple. Police will implement advanced facial recognition technology at 343 locations between Bhubaneswar and Puri, covering 32 points along NH-316 between Uttara and Malatipatpur, 65 beach areas, 38 Grand Road locations, and 55 spots within Puri's streets.Recently, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja directed Puri's district administration and police to create a unified standard operating procedure (SOP) for the festival. He recommended establishing an integrated command control centre (ICCC) for better departmental coordination.
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