Bhubaneswar, 11 October (H.S.): The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially declared the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri a ‘Red Zone’ to enhance security around the revered 12th-century shrine.

Confirming the development on Saturday, Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Prateek Singh said the Red Zone classification will remain in effect for three years, valid until September 25, 2028. The temple area was previously designated as a No-Fly Zone to restrict aerial movement and ensure the safety of devotees and temple premises.

“Odisha Police had submitted a proposal to the DGCA through the Ministry of Transport and Communication. Acting on this, the DGCA appointed nodal officers to survey the temple area. Based on their recommendation, the DGCA issued a notification on September 25, declaring the Srimandir and its surrounding area as a Red Zone,” SP Singh stated.

Under the new classification, unauthorised drone operations or aerial activities near the temple will attract strict legal action.

The move is aimed at bolstering aerial surveillance and strengthening the overall security framework of the temple, which draws millions of devotees from across India and abroad every year.

Officials added that the Red Zone status would help prevent potential aerial threats and maintain the sanctity and safety of the temple premises, especially during major events such as the annual Ratha Jatra.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda