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Imran Khan in Bhubaneswar
Threats of possible terrorist strikes have forced the Orissa government to deploy helicopters to monitor security during the rath yatra [car festival] of Lord Jagannath in Puri on June 23.
"The government has decided to provide air surveillance during the rath yatra for the first time," a top-level police official said.
Police sources said the decision to use air surveillance must have been prompted by intelligence reports.
They told rediff.com that at least two helicopters would be used for surveillance during the festival.
The idea to use helicopters for security was mooted at a high-level meeting of police officers recently.
Director General of Police K D Bajpai said the administration had also decided to continue the Coast Guard patrol along the Puri coast on the day of the yatra. This practice was started last year.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Puri, particularly near the Jagannath temple, where preparations have entered the final stage for the festival. About 66 platoons of security personnel, including six of the Rapid Action Force, will be deployed in the town.
Every year almost 800,000 people throng the 3km road near the temple to witness the festival. The festival starts early morning and lasts till evening.
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