Police intensify security for Dussehra and Navratri festivities

Prayagraj: In view of the ongoing Ramlila and Durga Puja celebrations and the fast-approaching Dussehra festival, cops have significantly intensified patrolling and heightened security measures to ensure public safety. All prominent markets, ramlila sites and pandals have been taken under the police scanner. The festive fever has gripped the city during Navratri celebrations.With the volume of the crowd increasing at prominent markets and pandals to witness lighting during the ongoing Navratri celebrations, senior cops have deputed mobile squads at static locations. Besides, foot patrolling has also been intensified at all market spots, i.e., Civil Lines, to keep troublemakers at bay.A senior cop said, “In view of the massive footfall expected at festive venues, markets, and public places, cops are implementing multi-layered security protocols. A security plan has been drafted for Dussehra celebrations besides other key measures including foot and convoy patrolling.”Pointedly, senior police officials are actively leading extensive foot marches and convoy patrolling in crowded markets, narrow lanes, and sensitive residential zones. Specially constituted police teams are inspecting and elaborating security in and around ramlila grounds. Efforts are also being made to review structural arrangements at Dussehra sites like entry/exit points, barricading, and fire safety systems.At prominent market spots in the city, cops have also focused on crowd & traffic control management. Plans are afoot to launch dedicated traffic restriction and route diversion plans during peak hours. Adequate security forces are also being deployed near major pandals and grounds to mitigate heavy traffic congestion.Cops are opting for high-tech surveillance to conduct the festival in a peaceful manner. Cops are utilising and deploying CCTV networks, special mobile squads, and drone monitoring—especially in sensitive pockets and border regions—to detect suspicious activity. Cops have also appealed to visitors to remain vigilant, cooperate with security checking, and immediately report any unclaimed objects or suspicious activities by dialling 112.Stay updated with the latest Prayagraj news. Download the TOI App.