344 cameras to keep eye on Jagannath Puri temple during New Year rush | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: The Puri Jagannath Temple is now under an extensive CCTV surveillance network to ensure smooth crowd management and heightened security during the New Year rush. A total of 344 cameras were strategically installed in and around the shrine, supported by the deployment of 70 platoons of police forces to maintain order and safeguard devotees.“Our entire arrangements are now under a foolproof CCTV surveillance system. At least 152 cameras were installed inside the temple and 192 outside to monitor crowd movement and traffic,” said Puri SP Prateek Singh.The administration expects the arrival of nearly 3 lakh devotees on Jan 1, making crowd control a formidable challenge. Past festive occasions have witnessed chaos and discontent among visitors, prompting police authorities to tighten measures this year.Singh stressed that safety and hassle-free darshan remain the top priorities. “We are ready with a comprehensive crowd control plan, both inside and outside the temple, to prevent untoward incidents,” he said, urging field officers to adopt a meticulous approach in planning and execution.To ensure an incident-free celebration, police will frisk devotees before entry, citing security concerns. Coordination with the local administration and temple authorities will streamline entry and exit points, regulate queues, and ensure medical facilities are readily available. Senior officers were also tasked with preparing contingency plans to tackle emergencies such as stampedes or natural hazards.Vigilance will be intensified along Puri beach, which draws thousands of tourists during the festive period. “Additional police personnel and lifeguards will be deployed,” Singh said.Fire and emergency services are also on high alert. “Adequate firefighters, rescue teams, and a command control vehicle were mobilised in Puri. Our divers, along with around 300 private lifeguards, were pressed into service at the beach,” said chief fire officer Ramesh Chandra Majhi.
