In a significant security development, a special team from the National Security Guard (NSG) on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with senior officials of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri.
The discussions were aimed at evaluating and reinforcing the security of the 12th-century shrine in light of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
The sacred temple, which draws lakhs of devotees and international tourists annually, is considered a high-value soft target. This prompted the elite counter-terrorism force to initiate detailed security evaluations ahead of a nationwide mock drill scheduled for May 7.
NSG Examining Security Infrastructure and Vulnerabilities
According to sources, the NSG is scrutinizing existing security arrangements, identifying possible vulnerabilities, and recommending upgrades in coordination with local and temple authorities. The team is also exploring the deployment of advanced surveillance systems and quick-response protocols to handle potential threats.
The NSG had earlier conducted preliminary consultations with Puri district police and is expected to hold further meetings with the Superintendent of Police to finalize an integrated security roadmap for the temple.
This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to fortify key religious and cultural landmarks across the country amid rising concerns over cross-border terrorism.
