The peaceful coastal town of Puri is all set for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, starting June 27. To ensure smooth celebrations and the safety of around 15 lakh devotees expected to arrive, the town has been placed under tight security.
Nearly 10,000 security personnel, including Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces, have been deployed. For the first time, around 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed across the town and along key routes to monitor crowd movement and traffic in real-time.
An Integrated Command and Control Room has been set up in Puri to keep constant watch. Live footage from the surveillance cameras will help police respond quickly to any emergency. NSG snipers have been positioned on rooftops as a precaution, while anti-drone systems and police drones will monitor the skies.
Security along the sea has also been strengthened with the help of Odisha’s Marine Police, the Indian Navy, and the Coast Guard. Bomb squads, dog squads, and anti-sabotage teams are also on duty.
A real-time chatbot has been launched to assist visitors with parking information, directions, and route maps.
The Rath Yatra, a sacred festival where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra come out of the temple to bless devotees, will conclude on July 8 when the deities return to the main shrine. Top police officers have assured that everything is in place to make the festival safe, smooth, and memorable for all.
