A security blanket has been thrown over Puri as it gears up for the return journey of the trinity — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra — from Sri Gundicha temple to their fabled 12th century abode in the holy town.

A senior police official said nearly 13 platoons of state police and the Rapid Action Force, apart from bomb disposal squads, had been deployed in the town which, according to an intelligence alert, was also on the radar of terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Toiba.

Sources said the coast guard ships would also patrol the sea off the town, keeping a watch on any suspicious-looking vessels in the area.

The state’s 480-km coastline is largely unprotected and vulnerable to intrusions by terrorists.The police are also learnt to have sought the help of local fishermen to keep an eye on the long stretch of the beach which tourists and pilgrims throng.

Since a congregation of around five lakh people is expected for the bahuda yatra as the return journey of the deities is known, the administration is not taking any chances.

The cops have been frisking visitors at all entry points to the town, including the railway station and bus stand. While bomb disposal squads are on alert, people have been asked to report any suspicious-looking person or object immediately to the nearest police station. Steps have been taken to ensure basic amenities such as water and toilets. Special medical teams have been constituted and student volunteers have been drafted in to help in case of minor emergencies.

“Anyone with any kind of problem can approach our volunteers for help. We will ensure plenty of water not only for drinking, but also for sprinkling on the crowd when they pull the chariots,” said an official.

The focus, however, would be on maintaining law and order and avoiding mishaps during pulling of the chariots.

The authorities are being extra cautious in this regard as two devotees died on June 21 during the journey of the deities to the Gundicha temple. However, an official said the casualties had nothing to do with rath yatra.