The security arrangements for tomorrow's Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, are extensive and include advanced technology such as night vision devices and CCTV cameras equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). The use of these sophisticated tools aims to enhance the surveillance and ensure the safety of the event.

In addition to the security measures, the temple itself has been adorned with tons of flowers and colorful lights, creating a visually stunning and celebratory atmosphere for the momentous occasion. The combination of tight security and vibrant decorations reflects the significance and grandeur associated with the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple.

• Invitees for the pran pratishtha ceremony began arriving today in Ayodhya, transforming the once quiet town into a vibrant hub of new infrastructure and religious fervor, a day ahead of a historic event in India's political and religious history.

• Multicolored flowers adorned the town, and the sound of 'Ram dhun' resonated from loudspeakers, with individuals dressed as Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman parading through the streets.

• Ceremonial gates featuring 'Jai Shri Ram' in floral patterns illuminated the city at night, enhancing the ancient city's atmosphere amidst significant infrastructural development. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya remarked, "The entire country is chanting the name of Lord Ram."

• Ayodhya's streets and skyline were decorated with saffron flags, and cut-outs of the Ram temple and Lord Ram were displayed at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk.

• The main ceremony, commencing at 12:20 pm and concluding by 1 pm, will feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a gathering of over 7,000 people, including seers and prominent personalities, with live telecast available.

• A vigilant security setup includes surveillance drones scanning for suspicious activities, and Ayodhya's 'yellow zone' boasts 10,715 AI-based cameras with face-recognition technology.

• Emergency response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are deployed, with SDRF teams conducting boat patrols on the Saryu river.

• The UP Special Security Force (SSF) has deployed an anti-drone system, providing an additional layer of security against potential aerial threats.

• Anti-mine drones, flying at one meter above the ground, are equipped with advanced technology for detecting underground explosives.

• The new idol of Ram Lalla, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, was placed inside the temple, portraying Ram Lalla as a five-year-old standing on a lotus crafted from the same stone.

**Security Measures in Ayodhya for Ram Mandir Event:** 1. **Deployment of Forces:** - Nearly 13,000 security personnel deployed, including NDRF teams, anti-bomb squads, snipers, and RPF personnel. 2. **Multi-Layered Security:** - Implementation of a multi-layered security plan covering the entire temple complex and Ayodhya town. 3. **Participants and Attendees:** - Over 7,000 attendees, including politicians, industrialists, saints, and celebrities. - Invitations extended to prominent figures like Amitabh Bachchan, Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni. 4. **Special Invitations:** - Individuals involved in the temple construction agitation invited. - Presence of celebrities and key figures from various fields. 5. **Anti-Bomb and Dog Squads:** - Deployment of anti-bomb squads and dog squads for thorough security checks. - Specialized teams trained to detect and handle potential threats. 6. **National Disaster Response Force (NDRF):** - NDRF camp set up near the shrine in Ayodhya to respond to contingencies. - Additional preparedness for emergency situations. 7. **'Pran Pratistha' Ceremony Details:** - Consecration ceremony starts at 12:20 pm, concluding by 1 pm. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the gathering post-ceremony. 8. **Public Viewing:** - Expected viewership of lakhs through live television and online platforms. - Some states declared a holiday, and the central government announced a half-day. 9. **Floral Decorations and Illumination:** - Ayodhya adorned with flowers and lights, creating a festive atmosphere. - Ceremonial gates featuring floral patterns and illumination enhancing the ancient city's aura. 10. **National Attention:** - Event garners national attention, reflecting its significance in India's political and religious history.

According to Prashant Kumar, Uttar Pradesh DG (Law and Order), in addition to the 13,000 forces, law enforcement in Ayodhya is enhancing its security measures with artificial intelligence-powered CCTV systems. Approximately 10,000 CCTV cameras have been strategically placed across Ayodhya for continuous monitoring leading up to the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony. These cameras are equipped with anti-drone technology.

To ensure multi-layered security, snipers from the National Security Guard have been stationed in Ayodhya. Rapid Action Force (RPF) personnel are positioned at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, while frequent boat patrols are being conducted by the police on the Sarayu river. Anti-bomb and dog squads are on standby at Ayodhya's newly inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, where devotees and dignitaries have started arriving for the 'Pran Pratistha'.

In Ayodhya, traffic diversions have been implemented, and only vehicles with permission will be allowed to enter the city starting tomorrow. Movable barriers with barbed wire have been installed at crossroads to regulate traffic, particularly during VVIP movements.

For the convenience of visitors, the Uttar Pradesh government has arranged parking at 51 designated locations in Ayodhya. These areas, accommodating 22,825 vehicles, will undergo constant drone surveillance and are marked on Google Maps for easy access. Additional Director General (ADG) of Traffic, BD Paulson, identified specific parking locations at Rampath, Bhakti Path Marg, Dharma Path Marg, Parikrama Marg, Bandha Marg, Tehri Bazaar Rampath, Mahobra Marg, and Unwal Marg, among others.

These parking facilities, situated on government, private, and tourism department lands, include a multilevel parking facility in Ayodhya. Ayodhya Traffic Circle officer Rajesh Tiwari highlighted the reservation of six parking spaces at Rampath and Bhakti Path for the vehicles of VVIP guests, accommodating over 1,225 vehicles.

- Multiple NDRF teams, equipped to handle chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks, as well as drowning incidents and disasters like earthquakes, have been deployed in Ayodhya. - In preparation for potential health emergencies, especially amid a severe cold wave in North India, the Ayodhya administration has taken measures. Beds have been reserved at city-based and district hospitals, along with medical colleges in Ayodhya. - Specialized training for focused emergency responses has been provided to doctors at healthcare institutions by specialists from AIIMS.

- Ayodhya has undergone extensive decoration in anticipation of the Ram Mandir inauguration, with the temple adorned with abundant flowers and special lights. - Artistic displays featuring Lord Ram, such as cutouts of a bow and arrow, embellish streetlights on flyovers. Ornamental lamp posts carry designs themed on the traditional 'Ramanandi tilak'. - Posters and hoardings with slogans like 'Ram fir lautenge,' 'Virajenge Shri Ram,' and 'Taiyar hai Ayodhya dham' are spread throughout the city. These slogans, along with verses from the 'Ramayana,' are displayed prominently at locations like Sarayu river bank, Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, and Ram Marg. - The Sarayu river banks have been elegantly decorated as part of the festive preparations. - Various cultural programs celebrating Lord Ram are taking place across the city, adding to the fervor of the occasion.

- Ayodhya is receiving numerous gifts in preparation for the Ram Mandir inauguration, showcasing the diverse offerings and contributions from various regions. - Gifts include bangles featuring Lord Ram images, 56 varieties of 'petha' (sweet), a 500-kg iron-copper 'nagada,' and the 'Onavillu' bow. Essential items like rice, ladoos, and vegetables required for the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony are also part of the offerings. - Special perfumes from Kannauj, 500 kg of 'kumkum' leaves from Amravati, grains collected from a Ram temple in Delhi, and flowers from Bhopal are among the diverse contributions. - Papers with Lord Ram's name written 4.31 crore times from Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara have been presented as a unique gift. - Over 3,000 gifts from Sita's birthplace in Nepal's Janakpur have arrived in Ayodhya, emphasizing the cross-border cultural significance. - A Sri Lankan delegation brought a special gift from the Ashok Vatika, a garden mentioned in the epic 'Ramayana,' contributing to the international representation of the event. - Ram temple trust general secretary Champat Rai outlined the logistical details, mentioning that the entry to the venue will be from the east side, and the exit will be from the south. The final temple structure is planned to be three-storeyed, with visitors climbing 32 steps from the eastern side to reach the main point of the Ram Mandir.