Ramnagri -Ayodhya has virtually turned into a fortress with the Uttar Pradesh government tightening security ahead of the Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony through land, air, and water surveillance.

The entire Ayodhya  has been sealed off and the  Ram temple area has been cordoned off by the SPG. No one is allowed inside Ayodhya without a valid invitation card, pass or identity card issued for the local people.

All vehicles passing through Ayodhya highway have been diverted.

While the UP government has deployed a huge force comprising UP Police, ATS, STF, PAC and UPSSF in Ayodhya, it is also using technologies including AI, anti-drone systems, and CCTV cameras to monitor activities across the city.

Additionally, NDRF contingent has been deployed along the Saryu river and ghats. Furthermore, Ayodhya is implementing bar coding for the security of guests.

Ayodhya IG Praveen Kumar said here on Sunday that under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s direction, huge police forces have been deployed in Ayodhya for the Ram Mandir’s consecration ceremony.

The security of the Dham has been divided into two zones — Red and Yellow. He further informed that Central agencies such as CRPF and NDRF have also been stationed. Besides, cooperation between the Intelligence Bureau and RAW is also being taken.

The security team includes over 100 DSPs from various districts of the state, approximately 325 inspectors, and 800 sub-inspectors. Additionally, before the main event, 11,000 personnel from the police and paramilitary forces will be deployed.

For VIP security, three DIGs, 17 SPs, 40 ASPs, 82 DSPs, 90 inspectors, more than 1,000 constables, and four companies of PAC have been assigned.

The IG mentioned that the forces are being increased in view of the programme. Moreover, emphasis is placed on better coordination between all agencies involved in security operations to avoid any lapses.

Special arrangements have been made for tight rail security.  Adequate additional security personnel have been provided for GRP. The forces deployed in Ayodhya have received behavioural training to ensure proper interaction with devotees and guests.

Furthermore, 250 police guides have been appointed to provide information about the tourist spots, while a digital tourist app was launched on January 14.

The Yogi government is utilising the latest technology to tighten the security in Ayodhya. In this regard, the entire city is being monitored through Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) of Municipal Corporation, CCTV through Police, Control Room and Public CCTV. For this purpose, 1,500 cameras of public CCTV have been integrated with ITMS.

In the Yellow zone, facial recognition AI-based big screens have been integrated with ITMS at 10,715 locations.

Additionally, arrangements for OFC-linked cameras have been made. The entire security system is making extensive use of AI technology. Furthermore, the anti-drone system is fully active.

The highly sensitive Red and Yellow zones of Ayodhya have been secured through an anti-drone system. Through this, any drone flying within a radius of 5 kms can be located. This anti-drone system manufactured by an Israeli company is the world’s most modern technology. Through this system, any drone can be deactivated.

Moreover, the entire Ayodhya is equipped with 12 anti-drone systems, allowing monitoring of all activities on land, water, and in the air. To ensure the security of VIPs during the programme without any inconvenience, bar coding is being used.