Patna: “Ravan Vadh” at Gandhi Maidan – Preparations in Full Swing for Tuesday’s Spectacle

Anvi Singh

Patna – The preparations for the “Ravan Vadh” event at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, reached their final stages on Sunday, under the vigilant supervision of Patna Divisional Commissioner, Kumar Ravi. The Commissioner emphasized the critical need for crowd management, streamlined traffic, and robust law enforcement during this highly-anticipated event.

Commissioner Ravi, along with District Magistrate (DM), Chandrashekhar Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Rajeev Mishra, Commissioner of Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), Animesh Kumar Parashar, and other senior officials, personally oversaw the preparations at Gandhi Maidan this evening.

Comprehensive Inspection and Directives

During his visit to the venue, Commissioner Ravi conducted a thorough inspection of Gandhi Maidan, the functioning of the CCTV control room, exit gates, temporary police stations, watchtowers, and other essential structures.

Commissioner Ravi emphasized the need for heightened security, considering the significant number of attendees, spanning all age groups, who come to witness the “Ravana slaughter” event. He instructed officials to ensure compliance with standards for security measures, exit gate management, watchtowers, lighting systems, traffic control, law and order maintenance, barricading, power supply, loudspeakers, drinking water facilities, medical support, and fire safety arrangements. The entry and exit of attendees must be unobstructed throughout the event. During the Ravana slaughter, all gates should remain open, and designated magistrates and police officers will remain on site until the grounds are vacated. Commissioner Ravi also stressed the importance of swiftly addressing biker gangs in the vicinity and maintaining their control. The police bike squad should be constantly mobile.

Security and Administrative Briefings

District Magistrate Singh provided a detailed account of the arrangements made by the district administration to Commissioner Ravi, while SSP Mishra briefed him on security-related measures. The Municipal Commissioner shared the arrangements made by the PMC and Patna Smart City Limited, emphasizing that all preparations are in their final stages.

Collaboration with Organizing Committee

Commissioner Ravi also held discussions with the Chairman, Secretary and representatives of the Ravana Vadh organizing committee, the Shri Dussehra Committee, providing necessary guidance to officials involved in the event.

Sector-Wise Law and Order Maintenance

DM Singh and SSP Mishra informed Commissioner Ravi that for law and order maintenance, Gandhi Maidan has been divided into four sectors and sub-sectors, with preparations expedited under the supervision of Additional District Magistrates and Deputy Superintendents of Police. Magistrates and police officers have been stationed at various locations within and around Gandhi Maidan. To ensure law and order, 88 magistrates have been deployed at 49 different locations, with police officers also assigned alongside them. Female forces, baton-wielding forces, and other police units will be on standby. Eight magistrates will operate from the district control room, and six magistrates will oversee activities in the Gandhi Maidan control room. Furthermore, police officials and forces will be stationed at barricades, along with eight magistrates. Two IT professionals will be present in the CCTV control room.

Magistrates, police officials, and forces have been posted at all entrances, and three Quick Response Teams are on hand to respond promptly to emergency situations. All magistrates and police officials have received detailed briefings.

Coordination for Traffic Control and Medical Assistance

Considering ongoing metro construction near Gandhi Maidan, special arrangements for crowd and traffic control were stressed. Patna Metro officials, the City Magistrate, and Deputy Superintendent of City Police have been asked to collaborate to ensure the smooth movement of visitors in and around Gandhi Maidan. Vigilant attention should be paid to traffic management at key locations, including JP Ganga Path, Ashok Rajpath, Exhibition Road, and other crucial areas. The Civil Surgeon has been instructed to devise an emergency medical plan and ensure its implementation, coordinating closely with the superintendents of major hospitals.

Enhanced Lighting and Electrical Wiring

A total of 136 LED metal lights, 112 pole lights, and 15 high mast lights will provide ample illumination in and around Gandhi Maidan from 35 light towers. Improved pathway lighting will also be in place. Commissioner Ravi directed that electrical wiring surrounding the venue should be properly managed and that lighting arrangements are coordinated between Patna electric Supply Undertaking (PESU), Building Construction, and the PMC.

Seamless Gate Operation and Media Provisions

The Executive Engineer of the Building Construction Department received instructions from Commissioner Ravi to ensure the seamless operation of all gates.

Convenient provisions have been made for members of the media. The media’s entry will be through gate number 12, situated in the southwest corner of Gandhi Maidan.

Vehicle Entry Restrictions

On the day of the event, October 24, vehicle entry to Gandhi Maidan, Patna, will be restricted after 1 pm