[In Pics] Puri, Odisha Coastline & Other Vital Installations Under Unprecedented Security Cover

Puri: Amid fears of wider conflict between India and Pakistan, the Odisha government has tightened security measures at vital installations and public spaces across the state.

The move aligns with nationwide efforts to secure vital installations amid Pakistan’s escalation bid after Operation Sindoor during which Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 6-7.

While the 480-km vast coastline is under careful surveillance, district superintendents have been directed to increase patrolling in major cities and sensitive areas.

“We have increased security at many important places in Odisha like Chandipur, Jagannath Temple, Hirakud Dam… We have also called an emergency meeting today and will ensure proper security arrangements in the state. We have ordered to bring back students studying in Jammu safely to Odisha…,” Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi earlier told the media.

Puri & Shree Jagannath Temple

Armed police personnel have taken positions around Shree Jagannath Temple, a potential high-risk target with lakhs of pilgrims visiting the shrine annually. “Proper checking and frisking of devotees are being carried out. We urge them to cooperate with the police during this emergency situation. Anti-sabotage personnel are conducting regular checks around the temple. Security teams are continuously monitoring CCTV footage at the command centre,” Puri SP Vinit Agrawal told the media.

On May 6, a team from the National Security Guard (NSG) arrived in Puri to discuss the security of the 12th-century shrine, and held a meeting with the Puri SP. Additionally, a four-member NSG team visited the shrine on May 5, to conduct a routine security review, assessing existing security measures, such as entry and exit points, crowd management protocols, and emergency response mechanisms, as part of their annual calendar.

Special security forces have taken charge of the temple’s security, and the police have been instructed to remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining peace and order in the city. The security measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims and tourists visiting the temple and the city.

Puri police are also carrying out naka blocking and thorough vehicle checking at various locations across the district. Security checkpoints have been established at Puri’s entry and exit points. Surprise checks are being conducted at hotels and accommodation facilities near the beach. Hotel operators have been instructed to properly verify guests’ identification documents and alert police if they come across any suspicious visitors.

Police sources further stated that patrolling has been intensified along the Puri coastline, and marine fishing communities are asked to keep an eye on vessels.

ITR Chandipur & Other Vital Installations

A high-level emergency meeting was held on the Integrated Test Range (ITR) campus in Chandipur on Friday afternoon. It was convened by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Eastern Range, Satyajit Naik, at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), a premier DRDO laboratory in Chandipur. Senior security officials from the district police, coastal security and DRDO attended.

Police authorities had earlier assessed security protocols at defence establishments, including ITR, Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Military Engineering Service (MES) in Balasore district, and the missile launching complex at Wheeler Island near Bhadrak district coast.

Security arrangements have also been significantly strengthened at Army Air Defence College near Gopalpur, ordnance factory in Balangir, INS Chilka and the Indian Rare Earths Limited (IERL) near Chhatrapur.

Hirakud Dam

The Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district has been placed under heightened surveillance, with public access prohibited until further notice as a precautionary measure to protect critical national infrastructure.

The Sambalpur district administration, in collaboration with state and central security agencies, has implemented enhanced security protocols at Asia’s longest earthen dam, a key asset for irrigation, power generation, and flood control. A three-layer security system has been put in place.

Security personnel are now equipped with advanced weaponry, including Light Machine Guns (LMGs), and cutting-edge surveillance tools to ensure robust monitoring and rapid response. A senior official emphasised that the restriction prioritises public safety and national security, with clear notices displayed at entry points and police deployed to enforce the ban.

“We have conducted the mock drill as part of our civil defence system to create awareness among all citizens. The aim was to build a sense of alertness and preparedness. In addition, for the areas near the Hirakud Dam, we have installed sirens and prepared civil defence volunteers. All necessary measures have been taken…,” Sambalpur Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar told IANS.

Paradip Port

Enhanced Security At Public Places

Airport: At Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar, passengers are undergoing multi-layered security checks before boarding flights. They have been advised to arrive early to facilitate smooth procedures.

Railway Stations: Train passengers are being subject to security checks in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri.