Six-layer security plan for Pran Pratishthain Ayodhya

NEW DELHI: The government is all set to throw a multi-layered security blanket to secure the sprawling Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya in the run up to the consecration ceremony (Pran Pratishtha) of Lord Rama in child form at the temple. Top sources in the government said a foolproof sixlayer high security plan has been chalked out for the safety of the temple complex built after a long-drawn out legal battle.

The consecration ceremony will be held on January 22 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the main ritual during the event. According to the sources in the security set up, a high tech security arrangement, similar to the G-20 Summit security, has been envisaged. The sources said that the entire complex would be covered by over 600 CCTV cameras laced with “Artificial Intelligence” covering the “Red Zone” (Inner Circle) of the main temple having the idol of Ram Lala.

A specialised control room has also been built in the security building, which will keep track of the every movement of the visitors. Apart from the main complex, a similar number of the cameras have been set up on all roads and lanes leading to the temple premises and the security personnel deployed there will be in live contact with the main control center inside the complex, the sources said.

They also said that the security officials will keep eye on the pilgrims right from the lanes leading to the temple and this will also help them in crowd control during the festivals. The officials are initially expecting the average footfall to be over 1 lakh after the consecration ceremony on January 22  which may be increased. A total of seven bomb detection squads will be provided.

These are highly trained explosive experts equipped with the new and latest security scanner and detection gadgets for the safety along with the antidrone systems. 

On the recommendation of the central force CISF which has recently conducted a safety and fire survey, has suggested adequate fire safety measures to be installed at the temple premises. Similarly, a dedicated cyber team for temple security to scan threats from the “DarkNet” has also been provided.

Recently the security agency had received a threat message on this hidden platform, which was detected by the intelligence agencies and the intelligence and security personnel nabbed the accused.

The cyber team will also keep eye on the social media platforms from the security point of view, an official in the state police force said, adding that the residents residing near the temple complex have been asked to keep details of the visitors/ relatives coming to their homes for “Darshan”.