Bhubaneswar: In a first, an integrated command and control centre will be set up at Town police station for real-time monitoring of crowd, traffic movement, and overall security arrangements during Rath Yatra in Puri, DGP Y B Khurania informed after a high-level meeting on Sunday.
He further stated that AI-enabled CCTV cameras is being installed across the pilgrim town of Odisha, from Uttara Chhak to Shree Jagannath Temple. “Efforts are also underway to install CCTV camera from Puri to Konark. An app has been developed to assist devotees with route maps and travel guidance to Puri. We are trying to make them as comfortable as possible” he said.
The DGP added that this was the 5th review meeting and was attended by SP Puri, IG Central Range and senior police officers.
According to reports, Puri will have a four-layer security arrangement for this year’s Rath Yatra, replacing the usual two-layer setup, due to the sensitive situation following Operation Sindoor. Odisha Police will secure the first three layers, with the third layer comprising ‘strategic guards,’ while commandos will handle the fourth layer. Typically, Rapid Action Force (RAP) personnel are deployed during chariot pulling, but this time, they will be supported by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The deployment of both police and CAPFs will be significantly increased for the festival.
On Friday, a multi-agency mock drill was conducted at Dharamshala in front of the 12th-century shrine to assess preparedness and coordination for any emergency. An Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has also been stationed outside the temple to enhance counter-terrorism measures in view of the ongoing tensions with neighbouring Pakistan and invitations sent to the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Ministers of different states for the annual Rath Yatra, slated for June 27.
Earlier, Odisha Police had stationed Rakshak, a bullet-proof armoured vehicle capable of withstanding heavy artillery and explosives, outside the temple to respond swiftly to any contingencies arising from potential sabotage threats. Jagannath Temple was identified as a potential target after Intelligence suggested the possibility of drones and projectiles being launched from the western front to hit civilian and religious structures.
