Security tightened in Puri for heritage corridor project inauguration on January 17

Anticipating a huge turnout of around five lakh devotees, five-layer security arrangements have been put in place in Puri, akin to measures taken during the annual Rath Yatra, for the inauguration of the temple heritage corridor project on January 17, officials said.

Anticipating a huge turnout of around five lakh devotees, five-layer security arrangements have been put in place in Puri, akin to measures taken during the annual Rath Yatra, for the inauguration of the temple heritage corridor project on January 17, officials said.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to inaugurate the Shree Mandira Parikrama Project (SMPP) or heritage corridor project, a periphery redevelopment project of the renowned Jagannath temple in Puri. However, rituals for the mega event have already begun from Friday evening (January 12.)

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Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Ranjan Kumar Das said a large number of dignitaries, including Ministers, political leaders and ‘saints’ are likely to attend the event.

“Expecting a heavy rush to the temple town, a strict vigil is being kept across the coastal town, at the 12th century shrine and the beach area,” officials said.

“According to a senior police officer, the temple and the town will be under a five-layer security blanket for the mega event. Rath Yatra-like security arrangements have been made in Puri,” he said.

IG (central range) Ashish Singh and Puri Superintendent of Police Kanwar Vishal Singh on Friday briefed the police officers about their duties and responsibilities.