Puri, Apr 4: To ensure a safer and more organised darshan at Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, the Odisha government is gearing up for the deployment of Swatantra Shree Mandir Surakshya Vahini (SSMSV).

This initiative comes after years of planning and addresses the urgent need for streamlined management of the temple's growing footfall.

The specialised force will comprise experienced police personnel brought in on deputation for three years. The battalion will include a commandant, two deputy commandants, one assistant commandant, eight inspectors, 31 sub-inspectors, and 24 assistant sub-inspectors.

A significant expansion in personnel is also expected, with the initial plan for 1,083 personnel being revised to over 1,200.

The team will be responsible for the temple's security, including anti-terror operations, maintaining decorum during darshan, and securing surrounding key areas such as the Shree Gundicha Temple and the Mausima Temple.

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