Following the Hathras incident, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned to manage the anticipated crowds at upcoming events. With the monsoon season's arrival, the police administration has mobilized to handle the throngs expected at Varanasi's renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A daunting task, indeed, for the officers in charge. The Police Commissioner of Varanasi emphasized that during the monsoon Mondays of the Sawan season, no protocols will be in place affecting 'touch and view', nor VIP visits.
Anticipating the onset of the monsoon month beginning July 22, the Varanasi police and administrative officials are tightening their belts. A significant inter-departmental meeting held at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham decided on many critical arrangements, including proposed separate entrances for locals—one of which is to be finalized before the start of Sawan.
The events in Hathras serve as a sobering reminder, reinforcing the importance of efficiently managing the heavy traffic of devotees expected during the monsoon at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The recent assembly discussed vital logistics to ensure visitor comfort and safety. Among the decided policies, some have already been put into action within ten days.
Divisional Commissioner Kaushalraj Sharma informed us of the unified planning spanning police, paramilitary force, CRPF, medical, public works, and power departments to accommodate the heavy rains' likely impact during Sawan. Since managing crowds statewide has become a major focus, all arising security and service issues have been thoroughly revised based on last year's monsoon season.
There's also a focused approach towards crowd management within the alleyways. Each department has been entrusted with ensuring facilities like CCTV surveillance, public addressing systems, ambulances, shelters for rain protection, drinking water, toilets, and food provisions. Specially deployed police forces will manage the flux along the Ganges ghats and alleyways. Additional barricading and zigzag arrangements will be enhanced. Coordination and working closely with the residents of Varanasi have also been flagged as key.
The Divisional Commissioner further noted that distinct congregations visit the temple on different Mondays, and arrangements have been made to facilitate this. It's time to realize the trust's decision to allow separate temple entry for the people of Kashi. The Nandu Fariya and Silko Alley routes are under consideration, and one will be designated for locals by next week's commencement of the Sawan.
Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal elaborated on the meetings held in anticipation of the Sawan season, emphasizing that Sawan's daily congregation of 6 to 7 lakh devotees necessitates meticulous planning. Barricading arrangements, deployment of female police officers for women's safety, provision of tea and water, adequate lighting, medical readiness, and efforts to prevent crowding and jostling are all part of the comprehensive plan. Zigzag barricading, in particular, is expected to aid in maintaining order. Extensive force deployment, including CRPF personnel, civil police, and female officers, will be supervised via the control room. Additional CCTV cameras are to be installed, allowing monitoring of every corner and individual.
