Multi-layered security in Punjab for martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Chandigarh, Nov 13
Punjab Special Director General of Police (Law and Order), Arpit Shukla, said on Thursday here that in order to ensure safe and smooth conduct of commemorations of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the state police have implemented a comprehensive, multi-layered security and facilitation plan by deploying advanced surveillance.
The commemorative events, to be held in Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25, is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from across the world.
Special DGP Shukla, along with Special DGP (Security) Sudhanshu S Srivastava and other senior officers, took stock of the security and traffic arrangements on the ground.
The Special DGP said that a police force of nearly 10,000 personnel will be deployed under the supervision of an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)-rank nodal officer, while seven Inspector Generals of Police and Deputy-rank officers, 22 Commandants, 45 Superintendents of Police, and 94 Deputy Superintendents of Police will be deployed to ensure a peaceful event.
The entire police force has been sensitised regarding the scale and importance of the event to ensure a high level of alertness and devotion to duty.
He highlighted that the security arrangements are heavily reliant on cutting-edge technology.
A high-tech control room is being established, integrated with more than 300 AI-enabled CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition, and 25 automatic number plate recognition cameras at all entry and exit points of the city.
Seven drone teams will provide continuous aerial surveillance.
"To create deterrence and pre-empt any untoward incident, data pertaining to snatchers in and around Ropar district has also been integrated with the facial recognition system. Mounted police patrolling and smart barricades will also be utilised for effective law and order maintenance," Special DGP Shukla said.
For traffic management and minimal inconvenience to the devotees, the district police has tied up with IIT Ropar to scientifically map parking spaces with 30 parking lots, spanning 101 acres, are being created with real-time monitoring.
Besides, 24x7 shuttle services will ferry devotees to all venues and three tent cities with a total capacity of 10,000 people are being established.
A dedicated pedestrian road along the highway and 60 outer divergence points and checkpoints will be established to regulate vehicle flow.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the security measures, I hope the heavy police presence doesn't make devotees feel like they're in a fortress. The spiritual atmosphere should remain peaceful and accessible. The traffic management with IIT Ropar sounds promising though.
As someone who attended the last major event in Anandpur Sahib, the traffic was chaotic. Good to see proper planning this time with 30 parking lots and shuttle services. The pedestrian road along highway is a thoughtful touch for elderly devotees. ðŸ‘
Impressive use of technology! Facial recognition and drone surveillance for religious events shows how India is embracing modern security solutions. The coordination between police and academic institutions like IIT Ropar is particularly noteworthy.
Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life for religious freedom. It's heartening to see the government ensuring that people can pay their respects safely. The tent cities for 10,000 people show good planning for accommodation needs. Waheguru ji ka Khalsa! ðŸ™
Hope the facial recognition data is handled responsibly and deleted after the event. Privacy concerns are valid, but given the importance of this occasion, the security measures seem justified. The mounted police patrolling adds a traditional touch to modern security.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.