Kumbh: Over 20,000 security men deployed for first ‘snan’
PRAYAGRAJ: Over 20,000 police personnel have been deployed for the first ‘snan ‘ at the Kumbh on Tuesday.
The deployed security personnel are from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF), Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), homeguards as well as paramilitary, informed SSP Kumbh KP Singh. Besides police personnel, teams of paramilitary have also been deployed at strategic places in the mela area as well as other places across the city. ADG zone SN Sabat, IG range Mohit Agarwal and SSP Kumbh KP Singh briefed the officials and gave necessary instructions related to security and traffic on Monday.
As many as 3,000 traffic cops in and around the mela area will ensure smooth movement of vehicles and pilgrims. Fifty-three mobile motorcycle firefighters will be on the move. Besides, 45 fire stations and 15 outposts have also been set up in case of any untoward situation. Water hydrants have also been installed at several strategic places at the fair.
Ten NDRF teams have been roped in to launch a rescue operation in case of any emergency. A help desk will be available for foreign tourists which will be attended by two staff members from the ministry of external affairs in a few days.
Special floating blocks are being used for water barricading to stop pilgrims from going into deep waters, Singh added.
Meanwhile, the bomb disposal squad, dog squad and paramilitary forces carried out a massive checking drive in the Sangam area and the ghats on Monday night.
Police teams barricaded a few points in Bairana, GT Jawahar Crossing, Darganj, Jhunsi, Arail, Naini, Phaphamau and checked the vehicles. Barricades have also been put up on the borders of the district.