Patna— As the clock ticks closer to the grand Ravan Vandh program scheduled for Vijayadashmi on October 24 at Gandhi Maidan, the final preparations are entering their concluding stages. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, necessitating meticulous planning and stringent security measures.
Sectoral Division for Safety and Amenities
To ensure a seamless and secure environment, Gandhi Maidan has been methodically divided into four sectors, each overseen by Additional District Magistrates (ADM) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP). Every sector has been equipped with essential amenities, including ambulance services, fire units, and drinking water provisions. Deputed magistrates and police officers have received specific instructions to maintain close coordination with medical personnel, fire unit officials, and water supply authorities to address any emerging issues promptly.
Stringent Security Deployment
In addition to sector in-charge magistrates and senior police officers, a total of 88 magistrates have been strategically positioned at 49 different locations in and around Gandhi Maidan to ensure law and order. They will be accompanied by police officials, including Mahila force and lathi force units, on standby to respond to any emergencies.
Furthermore, eight magistrates will be stationed in the district control room, with an additional six magistrates in the Gandhi Maidan control room. Another eight magistrates will lead police officials and units deployed at barricades, supported by two IT officials in the CCTV control room.
Enhanced Security at Entry Gates
Meticulous security arrangements extend to all entry gates of Gandhi Maidan. Three Quick Response Teams are poised to respond swiftly to any emergency information. Central public address systems have been installed, with additional miking facilities at the 13 gates and their surrounding areas.
State-of-the-Art Surveillance
Security at the event will be bolstered by a comprehensive surveillance system, comprising 91 high-quality CCTV cameras, including fixed bullet and PTZ cameras. These cameras will monitor not only Gandhi Maidan but also its environs. A temporary control room at Gandhi Maidan will oversee the monitoring of crowd activity.
Watchtowers for Crowd Control
Watchtowers have been erected near the main entrance and the flag hoisting site at Gandhi Maidan to facilitate crowd control and maintain law and order. Magistrates, police officials, and police units will be stationed at these watchtowers, equipped with dragon lights and sound amplifiers. Two civil defense personnel will be assigned to each tower, providing a comprehensive overview of the entire Gandhi Maidan.
Lost and Found Assistance Centers
To assist the public, four help desks (lost and found assistance centers) will be set up at strategic locations within Gandhi Maidan, including Gates No. 5, 7, 10, and the flag hoisting site. These desks will be staffed by magistrates and police officers to facilitate information exchange and provide necessary assistance.
Efficient Lighting and Coordination
A robust lighting arrangement will ensure a well-lit Gandhi Maidan, consisting of 136 LED metal lights, 112 pole lights, and 15 high mast lights. Engineers and technicians will be deployed to oversee the installation and operation of these lights. Proper coordination between the Municipal Corporation, Building Construction Department, and the Electricity Department will guarantee effective lighting arrangements.
Emergency Reporting
In addition to the District Control Room and Police Control Room, a temporary control room will be established at the event venue at Gandhi Maidan. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious information immediately to the 24×7 district control room at telephone numbers 0612-2219810/2219234 and the emergency services number 112. Swift action will be taken on all reports, with no tolerance for any potential security threats.
Joint briefing by DM and SSP
These comprehensive security measures were outlined by District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra in a briefing held at Gandhi Maidan on Sunday. The officials stressed the need for vigilance, alertness, and active coordination among all personnel involved, underscoring the importance of maintaining an open and safe environment for the public.
DM Singh emphasized the significance of adherence to the established protocol and standard operating procedures, with regular inspections conducted by the Divisional Commissioner to ensure the presence of robust safety measures. The large expected crowd makes heightened vigilance and monitoring essential for effective security and crowd management.
Officials were directed to report to their designated positions promptly and to remain prepared until the crowd has fully dispersed and the grounds have been cleared, ensuring that the area does not become vacant prematurely.
