Govt planning to install watchtowers around Puri shrine
Bhubaneswar: State govt is planning to install watchtowers around Puri Jagannath Temple to bolster security arrangements, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Thursday.
The minister added that the watchtowers would enable security personnel to identify and monitor unauthorised aerial objects in the light of recent sightings of drones near the shrine.
“The govt is committed to strengthening the security system of the temple,” said Harichandan, emphasising that police should implement strict measures against drone operations near the shrine.
Jagannath Temple is classified as one of the high-risk religious sites in India. The proposed security plan includes special monitoring units stationed in watchtowers providing continuous surveillance. Personnel will utilise sophisticated surveillance tools and communication systems. The watchtowers’ positions will be carefully selected to ensure thorough observation of the temple grounds.
Sources said the local police will work alongside temple authorities to execute these security protocols. Staff assigned to watchtower duties will undergo regular security exercises and instructional sessions. Sources said Puri SP Vinit Agrawal recently conducted a meeting with temple security staff, instructing them to maintain heightened vigilance during devotee screening procedures.
“We have asked the personnel to detect drones and take immediate action. We have also been requesting devotees not to carry phones and other electronic devices into the temple. Public awareness is being raised by pasting posters outside the temple. Violators will face legal action,” Agrawal said.
The govt has established Swatantra Shree Mandir Surakshya Vahini (SSMSV) to enhance shrine security. SSMSV’s primary responsibility includes protecting Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Parikrama Prakalpa, Mausi Maa Temple, Badadanda, Shree Marg, and nearby sensitive areas.
The minister added that the watchtowers would enable security personnel to identify and monitor unauthorised aerial objects in the light of recent sightings of drones near the shrine.
“The govt is committed to strengthening the security system of the temple,” said Harichandan, emphasising that police should implement strict measures against drone operations near the shrine.
Jagannath Temple is classified as one of the high-risk religious sites in India. The proposed security plan includes special monitoring units stationed in watchtowers providing continuous surveillance. Personnel will utilise sophisticated surveillance tools and communication systems. The watchtowers’ positions will be carefully selected to ensure thorough observation of the temple grounds.
Sources said the local police will work alongside temple authorities to execute these security protocols. Staff assigned to watchtower duties will undergo regular security exercises and instructional sessions. Sources said Puri SP Vinit Agrawal recently conducted a meeting with temple security staff, instructing them to maintain heightened vigilance during devotee screening procedures.
“We have asked the personnel to detect drones and take immediate action. We have also been requesting devotees not to carry phones and other electronic devices into the temple. Public awareness is being raised by pasting posters outside the temple. Violators will face legal action,” Agrawal said.
The govt has established Swatantra Shree Mandir Surakshya Vahini (SSMSV) to enhance shrine security. SSMSV’s primary responsibility includes protecting Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Parikrama Prakalpa, Mausi Maa Temple, Badadanda, Shree Marg, and nearby sensitive areas.
