Puri: Security concerns have resurfaced at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri after a drone video capturing the temple premises, including the sacred Nilachakra, went viral on social media, raising questions over the enforcement of the no-flying restrictions around the shrine.
The video, reportedly uploaded on an Instagram account operated by Ayush Sinha from Uttarakhand, shows aerial footage of the temple complex, triggering concern among devotees over how a drone managed to fly over the high-security religious site.
Flying drones over the Shree Jagannath Temple is strictly prohibited, as the shrine has been designated a no-flying zone. Operating a drone in the restricted area without prior authorisation is an offence. The temple administration, Puri Police and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have repeatedly issued warnings against such violations.
However, the latest incident has once again exposed possible lapses in enforcement, with questions being raised over how the drone entered the restricted airspace despite the existing restrictions.
Similar incidents have reportedly occurred in the past, involving tourists, YouTubers and social media influencers. While such episodes trigger public outrage and demands for action, concerns persist over the effectiveness of deterrent measures against violators.
Apart from compromising the security of the centuries-old shrine, unauthorised drone operations could also endanger devotees, particularly if a drone malfunctions or crashes within the temple premises.
With the Shree Jagannath Temple holding immense religious significance for millions of devotees, the latest incident has renewed calls for stronger surveillance, stricter enforcement of the no-flying restrictions and exemplary action against those violating them.
