Over 25,000 police, paramilitary forces for Jagannath yatra

More than 25,000 police personnel, home guards and jawans of paramilitary forces would be deployed as a part of security arrangements for the 141st rath yatra of Lord Jagannath on July 14, minister of state for home Pradipsinh Jadeja said after reviewing the security measures.

Three raths, 18 elephants, 101 trucks, 30 akharas, and 18 bhajan mandalis & bands, and seven motorcars would be a part of the Rath Yatra procession this year. The route has been divided into 26 parts for the security arrangements.

Jadeja said that more than 2,000 police officers and personnel, and 5,700 home guards, would be a part of the elaborate security cover for the annual procession of Lord Jagannath.

“Twenty six companies of paramilitary forces and one unit of National Security Guards (NSG) commandos would also be deployed along the route of the Rath Yatra. This year, a company of Indo Tibet Police Force would also be deployed,” he said.

Moreover, elaborate measures have been put in place for electronic monitoring of the yatra proceedings. In addition to the existing CCTV network, 259 CCTV cameras would be installed at 167 points along the yatra’s route. For aerial surveillance of the procession, Israeli Helium Balloon Drones, which are equipped with high density cameras, would be used.

After reviewing the preparations, the minister undertook foot patrolling on the yatra’s route from Prem Darwaza to Tambu Chowki.

HERITAGE TOUCH

• The upcoming rath yatra, slated for July 14, will be held on the heritage theme
   
• There will be one tableau of heritage monuments in the city