PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The police have completed all preparations for the Char Dham Yatra starting from Sunday. Around 7,000 police personnel have been deployed along the entire route to manage security and traffic. According to the inspector general of police (Garhwal) Rajeev Swaroop, the Yatra route has been carefully divided into 16 super zones, 43 zones and 149 sectors for better monitoring and control. “Police personnel have been stationed every 10 kilometres, equipped with motorcycles and first-aid kits. These teams will help in managing traffic, providing quick assistance to pilgrims and responding to emergencies,” he said.
The police have introduced a special security framework named ‘Surakshit Char Dham’ for this year’s Yatra to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Under this plan, around 40 teams of SDRF have been deployed at different locations, along with 30 fire service teams and water police units. To maintain smooth traffic flow, 22 drones have been deployed to monitor the situation in real time from the range control office. According to Swaroop, the police have also prepared A, B, and C traffic plans, which will be implemented depending on the traffic situation and crowd movement at different shrines.
The police have also introduced a new ‘Nav Netra System,’ which uses thermal imaging technology. This system will help in tracing pilgrims who will lose their way on the trekking routes, especially during night hours. In addition, 32 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed along the yatra route. These cameras will help identify vehicles and monitor suspicious persons.
Officials said that if any anti-social element tries to enter the Yatra disguised as a pilgrim, their details can be checked through these systems and they will remain under police watch.
To deal with traffic jams, emergencies or sudden surge in crowds at the shrines, 48 holding areas have been set up along the entire route at critical locations. These places will be used to control and manage the flow of pilgrims. The police have also advised people travelling by buses or private vehicles to follow safety rules, including having two drivers and ensuring that drivers are experienced in hill driving with proper licenses.
