With the annual Shri Siddh Baba Sodal Mela scheduled for September 25, Jalandhar police have put extensive security arrangements in place to manage the expected rush of devotees. Around 1,500 police personnel will be deployed across the mela area, while civic and traffic authorities have also made arrangements for sanitation, drinking water and parking.
1,500 personnel to be deployed
DCP Law and Order Jasroop Bath said during a press conference that the security deployment will include personnel from the Jalandhar Commissionerate as well as police forces from other districts.
The force will operate in two shifts around the clock during the mela. Around 30 gazetted officers, 30 SHOs and inspectors will also be deployed, while some personnel will remain in plain clothes to monitor activities.
Bomb and dog squads among security teams
Several specialised teams will be present at the mela, including the ARF team, bomb squad and dog squad. A dedicated control room will also operate during the event.
Police will conduct checking in the morning and evening, with suspicious objects being examined carefully as part of the security arrangements.
CCTV and drones to monitor the crowd
The mela area will be monitored through CCTV cameras and drones to keep an eye on crowd movement and identify any suspicious activity.
Police have also asked people to immediately inform the control room if they spot a suspicious person or object. The control room can also be approached if a child gets separated from their family during the mela.
Traffic routes to be diverted
A separate traffic route map has been prepared for the mela, with diversions planned to manage the movement of vehicles around the temple and surrounding areas.
Traffic police have also made parking arrangements for devotees visiting the mela.
Police warn against unruly behaviour
DCP Bath said security arrangements have been strengthened based on last year's mela. Police will take action against people involved in creating disturbances or causing trouble at the event.
PCR contact numbers will also be issued to help people report incidents involving unruly behaviour during the mela.
Civic arrangements also in place
Along with police deployment, the civic administration has focused on cleanliness and drinking water arrangements at the mela site to manage the large number of devotees expected to visit the temple on September 25.