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Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the world famous Puri Rath Yatra, Odisha Police has started beefing up security for the annual mega event which draws lakhs of devotees and visitors from across the globe.
As Rath Yatra is one of the major international events, Odisha Police is keeping a close watch on all kinds of threat perceptions, informed DG RP Sharma after reviewing the preparedness for the Puri Car festival.
“To counter any emergency situation, we are going to activate the counter intelligence system. Besides, additional steps are being taken to strengthen coastal security by working in coordination with marine police and Indian Coast Guard,” said Sharma.
As per the schedule of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the Nabajauban Darshan of the deities will be held on July 2, 2019 while the Ratha Yatra will be held on July 4.
Senior police officials informed that there will be a ban on low-flying objects like helicopters and drone cameras over Badadanda and temple premises on the day of Rath Yatra for security reasons.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will be urged for deployment of two companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) which will be in addition to the specialised forces of Odisha Police.
Meanwhile, emphasis is also being laid on speedy completion of the repair works of buildings damaged during cyclone Fani. Such buildings will be used to accommodate police personnel who will be deployed for security and traffic management during Rath Yatra.
Sharma further informed that a bomb disposal squad with metal detectors will be pressed into service along with a counter intelligence squad.
“Security will be monitored from a control room. Adequate security forces will be deployed for the safety of railway passengers and to maintain law and order during the event. A coordination meeting will be held with BSF, CRPF and Coast Guard soon,” he added.
