We want incident-free Kumbhmela: S Jaggannathan

With the first parvani – shahi snan just three days away, hectic activity is seen with the police department. Police chief S Jaggannathan, who along with his team shoulders the responsibility of smooth crowd movement, law and order and a safe event, speaks to dna on the preparedness. Excerpts:

What is the preparation strategy?
Our emphasis is to not allow crowd to swell at any one point, neither allow pressure to built up. We have made seven routes for entry to different ghats and similar exits with alternative routes. The outer and inner parking areas on the routes are ready. Basic facilities like shelter, water, food stalls, medical aid, toilets, as well as emergency services like fire brigade, ambulances have been provided.

How will be the bandobast?
Over 15,000 policemen will guard the city. On-field orientation is being given to them along with lessons in crowd management, vigilance and assisting pilgrims. Bandobast rehearsals have been carried out along with mock drills for emergency. The line of thought for all of us from top to bottom has to be clear, and hence, dialogues have been conducted with the personnel.

How has technology been used?
We have installed CCTVs, covering the routes and core area of ghats, Ramkund as well as Sadhugram. A wide network of public address system is being used. People have been trained in handling of cameras and PA systems. Public utility messages have been recorded in different languages and are being transmitted. A Central Control Centre has been developed. Social media is being used to reach people.

How did you seek help of locals?
They have been helpful and co-operative. We took meetings in different residential areas, schools and colleges to sensitise them on issues. Help has been taken from different regional language organisations in the city and they will help visiting pilgrims in their regional languages.

What challenges have you identified?
The biggest challenge is of crowd behaviour which we will have to deal with as per the situation. We have worked out on many hypothetical situations and have prepared as far as possible. We have asked our personnel to be polite and treat visitors as Atithi Devo Bhava.

How will you deal with the aspects of security?
We are prepared for all probable possibilities. Prevention is the key, so thorough checking of vehicle entering the city even before the parvani days is being done.

Are you and your men ready to face the D-Day?
Yes, we are. While most of paper planning was done earlier, my team including officers and staff, has worked hard. We have gone a step ahead and taken press conference to communicate routes to pilgrims. Our intention is to have an incident-free, happy event.