Elaborate Security Arrangements for Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor Inauguration

Bhubaneswar: As the much-anticipated inauguration of the Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor project in Puri approaches on January 17, stringent security measures have been put in place, featuring a comprehensive four-layer security cover.

In a recent inspection, Director General of Police (In-Charge) Arun Sarangi revealed that a robust security presence, including 80 platoons of police force, will be deployed in Puri to ensure the safety of VIPs, devotees, and the general public. The deployment aims to maintain law and order, manage traffic, and provide an all-encompassing security shield during the grand event.

Around a hundred police officers, including senior officials such as Director of Intelligence Sanjeev Panda, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar, Inspector General of Police (Central Range) Ashis Singh, and Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Kanwar Vishal Singh, will supervise the security arrangements for the inaugural ceremony of the Srimandir Parikrama project.

During the inspection, the team visited key locations, including the designated site for the performance rituals of the inaugural ceremony, the newly-constructed bridge ‘Shree Setu,’ and the parking lot at Jagannath Ballav, to ensure the efficacy of the security measures.

“The Central Range IGP and Puri SP will supervise the security arrangements for the inaugural ceremony. Around 250 Sub-Inspector and Assistant Sub-Inspector-rank officials, along with four bomb disposal squads, will be deployed in Puri for the mega event,” stated the DGP.

The inauguration ceremony is expected to witness the presence of several dignitaries, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Representatives from approximately 90 religious shrines and institutions across the country have been invited by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to attend the ceremony.

To enhance security, the administration has installed approximately 500 CCTV cameras across the coastal town. The state government has allocated around Rs 800 crore for the implementation of the heritage corridor project. As part of the state’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, the heritage corridor project holds great significance and is poised to be a landmark development for Puri.