Puri: Jagannath Temple in Puri is being decked up ahead of the New Year.
According to sources, the temple will be decorated with flowers. The newly-made shade of the temple has already been bedecked. A sound box has also been fixed to the temple and it will play devotional songs ‘Jagannathstak’ on New Year.
For surveillance, ultra modern CCTV cameras have been installed at the 12th century shrine.
In an attempt to lend a new look to Puri under its World Heritage Site plan, steps have been taken to create greenery near the wall in front of Singhadwara ( the Lion’s Gate).
Expecting a huge rush of devotees on January 1, security has been tightened around the temple with deployment of two commandants and 65 platoon police forces. Seven SPs, 19 DSPs and Assistant Commandant, 48 police officers, 200 SIs and ASIs will be deployed to maintain law and order, sources said.
Responsibility for security has been assigned to 36 havildars and traffic personnel and 229 constables.
Besides, 600 Home guards will also be deployed near the shrine.
To streamline traffic movement, heavy vehicles will be barred from entering the city on December 31 and January 1.
Routes for buses and tourist buses have also been spelled out. Tourist buses will be parked at Malatipatapur, and the daily route buses at Puri bus stand.
The temple had earlier drawn eyeballs for its beautiful decoration with flowers ahead of world famous Rath Jatra this year. A Delhi-based devotee, KK Sharma, who has spent between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh to decorate the shrine with beautiful flowers during the annual festival.
