India: Ayodhya boosts security ahead of first Ram Navami post Ram Temple consecration

Story highlightsSecurity has been increased in Ayodhya before Ram Navami, the first since the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple.

The Uttar Pradesh government has increased security measures in and around Ayodhya in anticipation of large crowds gathering for Ram Navami celebrations. This marks the first such event since the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in January.

Officials said the festival would be celebrated in a grand manner in the city, with the state government making detailed arrangements for it.

Police have increased efforts to ensure security for the large number of devotees expected, aiming for a smooth festival. They’ve planned for crowd management and estimated devotee numbers, deploying many officers. The Ram Navami Mela, starting on April 9 and continuing until April 17, is expected to attract about 25 lakh devotees.

To oversee devotees’ security during the event, there will be 11 extra superintendents of police, 26 deputy superintendents of police, 150 inspectors, 400 sub-inspectors, 25 female sub-inspectors, 1305 chief constables/constables, 270 female chief constables/constables, and 15 companies of PAC, according to the statement.

Additionally, two companies for flood relief, a team from SDRF, and ATS have been assigned duties.

An additional superintendent of police will supervise each zone, while each sector will have a designated deputy superintendent of police or inspector.

For safe darshan experience, 15 drop-down barriers and 13 holding areas will be established along Ram Path. Continuous surveillance will be conducted via 111 CCTV cameras from the Control Room.

The water police will be responsible for security along the Saryu River and Ram ki Pauri, while police and PAC forces will be stationed at different temples and Mela grounds.

Strong surveillance in place

Twenty-four cameras installed at strategic locations throughout Ayodhya Dham will monitor the movement of vehicles and devotees, according to the statement. Cameras at the Gonda border will also track the flow of vehicles and devotees.

CCTV cameras within Ayodhya Dham will gauge crowd density and decide on necessary traffic diversions at different points. Five hundred sixty cameras will be set up in various control rooms across Ayodhya Dham to oversee the movement of devotees.

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Additionally, two tethered drones and eight aerial drones will provide real-time analysis of roads, streets, and parking areas. Ambulance and rescue teams will be stationed at key locations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sneha SwaminathanSneha takes interest in everything that has political ramifications. Big time foodie and a tribal art fanatic. She graduated from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi Uni

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