The Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive security arrangements for the upcoming Mahakumbh, which begins on January 13 with the Paush Purnima Snan. DGP Prashant Kumar stated that comprehensive measures are in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims, including surveillance from land, water, and air. Preparations have also been made to tackle cyber threats and aerial risks like drones. Innovative crowd control measures are being implemented to prevent any untoward incidents.
Key Security Measures:
- Deployment of Over 50,000 Police Personnel: Special forces like ATS, STF, PAC, and NSG will ensure robust security.
- Drone and Aerial Surveillance: Drones will be used to detect and neutralize aerial threats.
- Waterway Security: A special “Water Police” unit, along with naval commandos, will patrol river routes.
- Regulating VIP Movements: Entry of four-wheelers into the Mahakumbh area is restricted to manage traffic and crowds.
- Crowd Management: Pilgrims will need to walk 1 kilometer on regular days and up to 3 kilometers on important dates like royal bathing days.
Technical and Emergency Preparedness:
- CCTV and Drone Monitoring: Over 2,700 CCTV cameras and several drones have been deployed across strategic points in the Mahakumbh area.
- Anti-Drone Teams: Special teams will be stationed to neutralize rogue drones.
- 54 Emergency SOPs: Protocols are in place to address emergencies such as fire, stampedes, drowning, and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threats.
- Digital Lost-and-Found Centers: Ten centers will assist in locating missing individuals, particularly children, women, and the elderly, providing care until they are reunited with their families.
DGP Prashant Kumar highlighted that a 4,000-hectare area of the Mahakumbh, including 12 kilometers of riverbanks, will be under strategic surveillance. Parking arrangements for over 5 lakh vehicles have been made across 102 parking locations. The government is fully committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of millions of pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh.
