Bhubaneswar, Aug. 20: The National Security Guard (NSG) will conduct an inspection of the Jagannath temple in Puri on August 28 and 29.
Sources said the NSG would inspect the temple with an aim of advance preparation for any possible contingency in the future.
Three or four officials of the elite antiterrorist task force will hold discussions with the temple administration and police to strengthen the security of the 12th century shrine.
The NSG usually conducts the reconnaissance after "sensitive" places are identified in consultation with the ministry of home affairs, state police and intelligence authorities.
Though the pilgrim city does not face any immiment terrorist attack threat, the police had initiated several security measures in April 2014 after receiving credible information on terror threats to the temple.
Delhi police had arrested two Indian Mujahideen operatives in March 2014 and the duo claimed to have visited Puri and some other places in Odisha in January 2014.
Police said since the temple attracts a large numbers of devotees and keeping an eye on a possible terror strike, Singhadwar police station has been set up along with a police control room inside the temple complex.
"The temple has been covered under CCTV surveillance. Besides, metal detectors have also been installed at the entry and exit points. Adequate police personnel, including armed cops, have also been deployed at the entry and exit points and four watchtowers in the temple," said assistant commandant (temple security) Kaushik Nayak.
Sources said that as many as 40 closed-circuit television cameras had been installed on the temple premises.
However, the baggage scanner, which the temple administration had procured at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore some years ago, is lying unused because of the lack of a specialised operator.
"Though the temple is yet to face any kind of terror strike, the authorities must come up with a foolproof security system to safeguard the shrine and thousands of devotees visiting it every day. The coastal security must be strengthened along with the temple security," said a servitor of the temple.
