Puri Rath Yatra 2026: The world-famous Rath Yatra will be held under an impenetrable security cover.
Puri: Odisha government and security agencies have finalized elaborate security arrangements to conduct the world famous Puri Rath Yatra safely and peacefully. This time a three-tier security system will be implemented for this historic religious pilgrimage to be organized on 16th July, under which strict surveillance will be maintained at all three levels – land, sea and sky. The security arrangements are aimed at ensuring the safety of lakhs of devotees and effectively dealing with any potential threat.
In this regard, Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. A high level coordination meeting was held under the chairmanship of Khurania. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the state police along with representatives of various central security agencies. During the meeting, a detailed review of the Rath Yatra’s security arrangements, crowd management, emergency response and coordination between various agencies was done.
Strong security cover at three levels
This time the security agencies have prepared a three-tier security system for the Rath Yatra. Under this, along with the security of the city and temple complex, special importance has also been given to maritime area and air surveillance.
The Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police will jointly conduct frequent patrolling in the maritime area to deal with any potential threat including terrorism. Special surveillance operation will be conducted to prevent any suspicious activity through sea.
Quick response teams will be deployed in the sea
Under the security plan, Quick Response Team (QRT) will be deployed on maritime patrol vessels. These teams will be kept ready for immediate action in case of any emergency. The maritime border will be continuously monitored so that any kind of infiltration or security challenge can be immediately responded to.
Drone and anti-drone technology will be used
This year, modern technology will also be used extensively in security arrangements. Continuous aerial monitoring of the Rath Yatra route, temple premises and surrounding areas will be done through advanced drones. Along with this, anti-drone systems will also be deployed to disable any unauthorized drone or aerial threat.
Officials believe that drone surveillance will help in crowd management and any suspicious activity can be identified rapidly.
deployment of central security forces
During the meeting, the deployment strategy of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), National Security Guard (NSG) and Quick Response Units of NSG were also reviewed.
These special forces will be deployed in sensitive locations and crowded areas so that any security challenge can be faced immediately. The trained National Security Guard personnel will be specially prepared to handle counter-terrorism operations and emergency situations.
Emphasis on better coordination between agencies
In the meeting DGP Y.B. Khurania directed to ensure better coordination between Odisha Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Indian Coast Guard and other security agencies. He said that in view of the arrival of lakhs of devotees during the Rath Yatra, all the agencies will have to work in coordination.
Additional security forces will also be deployed at railway stations, bus stands, major entry routes and religious places to ensure the safety of passengers and devotees.
Anti-sabotage investigation and bomb disposal squad will remain alert
Under the security plan, anti-sabotage checks at sensitive places will be further intensified. Continuous search operations will be conducted in the Rath Yatra route, temple premises, parking lots and crowded areas.
Apart from this, Bomb Disposal Squad and Sniffer Dog Squad will be kept on high alert. Immediate action will be taken if information about any suspicious object or activity is received.
Special security vehicles and K-9 squads deployed
Special security vehicles will be deployed on the temple premises and Rath Yatra route. Apart from this, K-9 dog squad, National Security Guard trained Special Operation Group (SOG) and Special Tactical Unit (STU) commandos will also be part of the security arrangements.
These special units will be deployed at strategic locations for quick action in any emergent situation.
Safety of devotees is top priority
Every year lakhs of devotees from India and abroad reach Puri during the Rath Yatra. In view of this, the administration has clarified that this time the security system will be implemented with state-of-the-art technology and multi-level coordination. Officials say that separate and extensive preparations are also being made for crowd management, traffic control, disaster management and emergency medical services.
Odisha Police has appealed to the devotees to follow the instructions of the security agencies, immediately inform the police if any suspicious activity is seen and avoid rumours. The aim of the administration is to conduct the world famous Puri Rath Yatra in a safe, orderly and reverent environment.
