Drone over Puri Srimandir: Odisha Law Minister assures anti-drone technology soon

Despite stringent restrictions, a drone was once again spotted flying over the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri, raising serious questions about the security apparatus in place at one of India’s most revered religious sites. 

A video, reportedly captured via drone, has gone viral on social media, showing vivid aerial visuals of the Srimandir premises and rituals being performed atop the temple.

Also Read:New drone video of Puri Srimandir goes viral on FB, sparks security concerns

The drone footage, which surfaced on May 30 through a social media account named “Story by Naru Gopal,” shows a "Sevak" (temple servitor) offering prayers in a namaskar posture while holding a traditional "bana" (flag) at the top of the temple. 

The video even captures the moment the servitor ties main flag to the temple’s pinnacle — a sacred daily ritual considered highly auspicious in the Jagannath tradition.

What has raised alarm is that the use of drones over the Jagannath Temple has been strictly prohibited by law due to security, religious sensitivity, and the risk of unauthorized surveillance. Despite the ban, the footage was shot openly, edited, and circulated across social platforms — exposing a glaring lapse in monitoring and enforcement.

Anti-Drone System Soon

Reacting to the incident, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Sunday expressed serious concern over the breach.  “This is a violation of existing drone-flying restrictions. Several loopholes and security lapses are coming to light,” he said. 

The minister added that steps have already been initiated to introduce anti-drone technology in and around the Srimandir to curb such intrusions in the future.

The Odisha government, he said, is giving top priority to strengthening Puri Srimandir’s security, maintaining religious discipline, and ensuring a seamless darshan experience for devotees. Authorities have reportedly begun tracing the origin of the viral video and identifying the individuals involved in operating the drone.

Meanwhile, devotees and residents have expressed anger over the incident, questioning how such an obvious breach could go unnoticed in a high-security zone. Many have urged for stricter enforcement of no-fly zones and harsher penalties for such violations.

The state government is expected to soon hold a high-level meeting with temple administration, police, and technical experts to strategize stronger preventive mechanisms, including surveillance, drone jamming systems, and digital patrolling tools.