Puri: In a proactive move to bolster emergency preparedness, the Puri Police, under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal, conducted a comprehensive mock drill inside the premises of the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple today.
The exercise was aimed at evaluating the coordination and efficiency of various response teams in managing medical emergencies during peak hours and festive occasions.
A simulated scenario was enacted wherein a devotee was shown collapsing near the sanctum sanctorum. This triggered an immediate and coordinated response from security personnel and the temple management team.
Police officers, medical staff, ambulance services, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), and Fire Services personnel participated actively, executing their roles in line with standard operating procedures. The dummy patient was swiftly evacuated using a stretcher through the shortest exit route, while police ensured effective crowd control. On-site first aid was promptly administered by the attending medical team.
Communication and alert systems were also tested during the drill, with wireless devices ensuring timely information flow among key personnel. Importantly, the exercise was conducted without disrupting temple rituals or the movement of devotees. Many worshippers present at the temple appreciated the effort, with several local residents and senior citizens expressing support for the initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, SP Puri Vinit Agrawal said, “Ensuring the safety of every devotee and sevayat within Shree Jagannath Temple is our highest priority. This mock drill was designed to test and strengthen our readiness to handle medical emergencies promptly and effectively. I thank all participating teams and the local community for their cooperation.”
The Puri Police plan to continue organizing such drills regularly in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. With strong community engagement and improved coordination among agencies, this initiative marks a significant step toward safeguarding the wellbeing of all who visit the historic shrine. Preparedness saves lives, and today’s exercise reinforced that commitment.
