THERE IS a good news for millions of devotees.
Unprecedented security arrangements are being made for the forthcoming Ardh Kumbh mela scheduled to begin here from January 3.
Director-general of Police (DGP) Bua Singh told the HT Allahabad Live in an informal chat at the mela police camp office that security was being beefed up in view of the demand prevailing under current circumstances.
State's top cop laid stress on two points. Control and management of the crowd and threat from terrorist outfits.
Commenting on crowd management, he said nearly three to four million persons might turn up on important bathing days and adequate number of cops would be deployed in the mela area to control the crowd and manage them.
Cops, he said, had been instructed to be polite in dealing with the crowd as those coming to the Sangam would be mostly devotees and tourists.
Arrangements of barricading have been made in such a way that crowd handling becomes easier. Strict vigil will also be maintained on the bathing ghats so that they don't become over-crowded.
In case the crowd swells up, people will be stopped from moving towards that particular ghat to rule out any possibility of stampede.
"As far as threat from terror outfits is concerned, we are fully equipped and prepared to deal with any untoward situation. In view of the sensitive situation the Government of India has, for the first time, provided 40 companies of para-military forces. Besides, there will be enough men from the civil police and the PAC and homeguards and other volunteers.
{{/usCountry}}"As far as threat from terror outfits is concerned, we are fully equipped and prepared to deal with any untoward situation. In view of the sensitive situation the Government of India has, for the first time, provided 40 companies of para-military forces. Besides, there will be enough men from the civil police and the PAC and homeguards and other volunteers.
{{/usCountry}}The DGP had come along with the chief secretary Naveen Chandra Bajpai.
Both the top officers of the State had come to review the progress of Ardh Kumbh mela work being carried out by different departments.
After reaching the mela area, the DGP proceeded towards the police camp.
Meanwhile, sources said, bomb detection squads had begun their job in their mela area. Different teams with equipment have been deployed in the area and they are carrying out their work.
Intelligence agencies, including the LIU, have been activated and they are keeping watch at sensitive places in the city and mela area.
"We have geared up in such a manner that even if terrorists come they will be taught a befitting lesson," said a senior police officer.