In a massive security operation, the Punjab Police has deployed a force of over 3,400 personnel to manage the annual Shahidi Sabha in Fatehgarh Sahib. The three-day event, which pays homage to the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from December 25 to 27.
Elaborate Security and Traffic Management Plan
The security blueprint is being supervised by six Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers and 24 Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank officers. Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla personally visited the site to review the arrangements. The entire area has been systematically divided into six sectors for efficient management.
To handle the enormous influx of pilgrims, police have earmarked 22 dedicated parking slots. A shuttle bus service will ferry devotees between these parking areas and the main Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. In a tech-savvy move, the police have collaborated with Google for real-time geo-tagging of parking spaces, and numerous signboards have been installed to guide visitors seamlessly.
Tech-Driven Surveillance and Pilgrim Assistance
The police are leveraging technology to ensure comprehensive security and monitoring. Six drones and 300 CCTV cameras have been deployed to keep a watch on traffic flow, parking arrangements, and to vigilantly monitor for any anti-social elements. An integrated control room has been established to coordinate all operations centrally.
For the convenience and safety of the devotees, the authorities have set up six help desks. These desks will provide integrated services including police assistance, medical aid, and fire safety support. These initiatives, as highlighted by Special DGP Shukla, are designed to ensure that pilgrims face no hassles in paying their obeisance.
Special Focus on Road Safety
Recognizing the challenges posed by winter fog, the police have launched a special road safety campaign. In a proactive measure, police teams will be pasting reflector stickers on tractor-trolleys to enhance their visibility and prevent accidents on roads leading to the holy town. This initiative underscores the comprehensive nature of the planning, which extends beyond the event venue to the approach routes.
The senior police review team, including DIG Ropar Range Nanak Singh and SSP Fatehgarh Sahib Shubham Aggarwal, has conducted detailed briefings with the deployed force. The emphasis is on creating foolproof security arrangements that guarantee a peaceful, orderly, and comfortable experience for every devotee attending the sacred congregation.
