LUCKNOW, Feb. 17 -- The Uttar Pradesh government has sanctioned Rs.8.90 crore to equip 17 newly formed Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams with advanced explosive-handling gear, as the state steps up security around the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex in Ayodhya and other high-value installations.

An official order issued by a special secretary on Tuesday approved the funds to strengthen security at Ayodhya Airport, metro installations, the Reserve Bank of India building and the Allahabad high court, among other sensitive establishments.

The sanction follows a proposal from the state police headquarters and the Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force (UPSSF), which sought modern equipment in line with Bureau of Police Research an...