Five-layer security measures, similar to those implemented during the yearly Rath Yatra, have been put in place in Puri in anticipation of a massive crowd of approximately five lakh devotees for the January 17 inauguration of the temple heritage corridor project, officials said.
The Shree Mandira Parikrama Project (SMPP), also known as the Heritage Corridor project, is set to be officially opened by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. This project involves the redevelopment of the renowned Jagannath temple’s surrounding area. But starting on Friday night, preparations for the massive event have already started.
The chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Ranjan Kumar Das, claimed that many dignitaries, including ministers, political figures, and “saints,” would be present.
A strict vigil is being maintained throughout the coastal town, at the shrine dating back to the 12th century, and the beach area, officials said, anticipating a large rush to the temple town.
A senior police officer stated that the town and the temple will be protected by a five-tiered security system during the massive event.
Rath Yatra-like security arrangements have been made in Puri, he said. On Friday, Puri Superintendent of Police Kanwar Vishal Singh and Inspector General Ashish Singh provided a job description to the police officers.
Numerous security guards will be stationed inside and outside the temple, and the VVIPs will receive extra protection.
While hundreds of lifeguards will be stationed at the designated bathing points along the beach, the seafront will be patrolled by the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police.
According to an official, police escorts will be offered to distinguished invitees during their visit to the temple, and police help desks will be opened at various locations along the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway.
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From January 12 to 16, more than 44 police platoons, each with 30 members, were sent into the town to manage traffic, provide security, and uphold law and order. The IG also stated that 45 police officers will oversee the arrangements.
To guarantee a smooth “darshan,” security guards have been stationed inside the temple, and he added that enough people will be stationed at each of the temple’s four gates.
According to Singh, a control room has been established, 135 CCTVs equipped with face-reading technology have been placed throughout the hallway, and if any suspicious activity is noticed, swift action will be taken.
The IG said security will be further tightened with the deployment of an additional 20 platoons of personnel and additional officers on January 17.
In addition, he stated that there would be certain limitations on traffic flow on that particular day.
Parking arrangements for vehicles will be made at the Samang, Malatipatpur Bus Stand, Jail Road Multi-level Parking Complex, Yatrika, and Jagannath Ballav parking lots, according to Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh.
The Rs 800-crore project will guarantee wide, clear passageways surrounding the Meghanada Pacheri of the temple, giving devotees a superb visual connection with the shrine from the twelfth century.
Additionally, it will improve the temple’s security and safety as well as the amenities offered to pilgrims.
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According to another official, the project is part of a larger initiative worth over Rs 4,000 crore that aims to make Puri a world heritage city.
To guarantee the involvement of individuals from every corner of the state, the government has implemented Shree Mandir Parikrama Rath, also known as Arpan Rath, in every panchayat to gather handfuls of rice and betel nuts from homes. These will be employed in the project’s inauguration ceremonies.
The chief minister’s advisor, Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, stated that in the beginning, sixty buses would be used to guarantee the convenient transportation of pilgrims from various remote locations to Puri.
The project’s Lokarpan Yajna is slated to take place from January 15–17, starting with Vedic recitations at the temple’s four gates.
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