Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance the security of the revered 12th-century Jagannath Temple, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially designated the temple and its surrounding area as a ‘Red Zone.’
The status, confirmed by Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, came into effect on September 25, 2025 and will remain valid for three years until September 25, 2028.
Previously, the temple precincts were declared a ‘No-Flying Zone’ to prevent unauthorised aerial activity and safeguard the sanctity of the shrine as well as the safety of devotees. The new ‘Red Zone’ classification imposes stricter airspace restrictions, extending from sea level up to 50,000 feet above the temple.
“The Puri police have been consistently working to protect the Jagannath Temple from any flying objects. We formally requested the DGCA, through the Transport and Communication Department—the nodal agency for civil aviation—to regulate flying activities in this area by declaring it a ‘Red Zone,’” said SP Prateek Singh.
The DGCA’s notification has now been incorporated into its official airspace maps, alerting all aviation operators of the stringent restrictions in place. Unauthorised drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs), or other flying devices detected within this zone will face strict enforcement under the Aircraft Act.
In a related development, police seized a drone flying over the temple premises at approximately 7:45 pm on Friday. Durga Prasad Yadav, a resident of Chhattisgarh, was detained by Singhadwar Police Station as part of the ongoing investigation.
The enhanced security measures underline the commitment of authorities to protect one of India’s most iconic and sacred heritage sites from modern threats.
