Tight Security at Jagannath Temple

BY: SUN STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Mar 03, JAGANNATHA PURI, ORISSA — The Sri Jagannath Temple administration has decided to scale up security in and around the temple in view of the possible terror attacks. A decision of this type was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the shrine's Chief Administrator, A.K. Meena on Wednesday.

Devotees would undergo tight checking and frisking at the entrance points of the temple. In addition, hi-tech gadgets would be installed to scan the cooking ingredients, including vegetable sacks and food grains being taken inside the temple for preparation of Rajbhoga.

High frequency closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) would be installed at strategic locations in the outer and inner complex of the temple, sources said.

Four watchtowers would be erected outside the shrine precinct, where armed personnel would keep a close vigil on movements of outsiders.

Also, vehicular movement around the temple would be prohibited while the existing vegetable market would be shifted elsewhere. Illegal encroachment from around the shrine would also be evicted soon.

Armed policemen would man the rooftops of the adjacent buildings. A number of warning alarm switches would be installed at various places in the temple complex, connected with loud speakers. All the dilapidated buildings around the temple would be demolished and a fire tender unit would be placed close to the temple for emergency.