PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
About 7,000 police personnel will be deployed at various halts, temple premises, routes and sensitive locations during the upcoming Char Dham Yatra This was stated in a review meeting on preparations for the Yatra and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage chaired by director general of police Deepam Seth on Friday.
Senior officials were nominated to inspect security, traffic management, parking sites, security plans and other aspects along with facilities for deployed police personnel in Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar and Rishikesh. Anti-Terrorist Squads (ATS) will be deployed at the shrines and period mock drills will be held to check preparedness.
A comprehensive strategy has been prepared to ensure effective, safe and smooth traffic management with 118 parking sites being identified along Yatra routes. Traffic control will be further strengthened through motorcycle patrolling and continuous monitoring using modern technology. Updated information related to traffic and weather will also be continuously provided to pilgrims through live mobile alerts.
While 92 CCTV cameras have been installed at the shrines, 1,168 will monitor the Yatra routes. Additionally, 15 drones will be operated for aerial surveillance of traffic and security arrangements along the routes. The DGP also stressed on timely dissemination of correct information through social media and media briefings, strict action against misleading social media posts during the Yatra and monitoring of fake websites related to online registration and helicopter services while enhancing public awareness regarding cyber fraud.
Seth said that the Char Dham Yatra and Hemkund Sahib Yatra are extremely important religious events for Uttarakhand, during which lakhs of pilgrims from across the country and abroad visit the State. “Ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage for the devotees is our highest priority. All officers have been directed to exercise special vigilance over all aspects including security and law and order, traffic management, crowd control and disaster management during the Yatra, so that pilgrims leave with a positive experience. Uttarakhand Police is fully committed to ensuring the successful and safe conduct of the Char Dham Yatra,” he said.
