Special DGP Arpit Shukla Oversees Security Preparations for Hola Mohalla Festival in Anandpur Sahib
In a significant move to ensure safety and order, Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla conducted a comprehensive review of security arrangements in Anandpur Sahib on Thursday. This review comes ahead of the three-day Hola Mohalla festival, scheduled from March 2 to 4, with directives to implement foolproof measures as per the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Coordination Meeting and Deployment Details
Chairing a high-level coordination meeting, Shukla was joined by DIG Ropar Range Nanak Singh and SSP Ropar Maninder Singh. During the meeting, he emphasized that lakhs of devotees from across the globe are expected to gather at the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth, necessitating robust security protocols.
The festival zone has been strategically divided into 12 sectors to enhance management and response capabilities. A substantial force of nearly 5,000 police personnel has been deployed across these sectors to maintain vigilance and ensure public safety.
Advanced Surveillance and Crowd Management Initiatives
To bolster security, six drones will provide continuous aerial surveillance, with live feeds being monitored in real-time at a central control room. This technological integration aims to offer a bird's-eye view of the festival grounds and surrounding areas.
In a briefing to sector in-charges, Shukla instructed the police force to adopt a humble and service-oriented approach towards the sangat (congregation), reflecting the spirit of the festival. Several new initiatives have been introduced to facilitate a seamless experience for visitors:
- Parking and Transportation: Twenty-one designated parking areas have been established, complemented by a colour-coded route plan for easy navigation. Round-the-clock shuttle services, including 100 e-rickshaws and 50 mini-buses, will operate from parking sites to key festival locations.
- Information Points: QR-code information points have been set up to guide visitors on routes, shuttle services, parking availability, hospital locations, and other essential facilities.
- Surveillance Infrastructure: Approximately 200 CCTV cameras, featuring PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) units, have been installed along approach roads. These cameras are supported by 24x7 monitoring at the Anandpur Sahib police station.
- Crowd Control: For the first time, a three-layer barricading system will be implemented at the Charan Ganga Stadium to effectively manage large crowds and prevent any potential incidents.
These measures underscore a proactive approach to handling the anticipated influx of devotees, combining traditional policing with modern technology to create a secure and organized environment for the Hola Mohalla celebrations.
