Amid challenges, police begin preparations for Magh Mela
Although Magh Mela-2021 is to be held at a smaller scale amid Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the police have started preparing the blueprint for ensuring safe annual religious fair on the banks of Sangam.
SP (crime) Ashutosh Mishra has been entrusted with the responsibility of the security of the fair scheduled to begin from January 14.
Main focus is being laid on maintaining physical distancing and following other guidelines for stopping Covid-19 from spreading among devotees.
Unlike every year, the police will have to face the challenge of controlling the spread of coronavirus besides ensuring safety of devotees from other external threats. The plans will include measures to ensure lesser assembling of crowd at one place and smooth management of movement of devotees on main bathing days.
Mishra said police force, PAC, paramilitary and Jal Police will be deployed beforehand at strategic spots. Besides teams of bomb disposal squad, QRT and STF will be roped in for foolproof security.
Focus will be on maintaining physical distancing to stop Covid-19 from spreading among devotees during Magh Mela.
The main watch tower will be at Sangam Nose while other towers will be erected at different routes and crossings at Magh Mela area where security forces will be deployed to keep an eye on suspects and suspicious
objects. Police Lines will be established at Parade ground while control room, fire stations, police stations and outposts will soon be established and CCTV cameras will be installed in Magh Mela area, he added.
SP Crime further said focus was being laid on stopping the spread of coronavirus for which plans are underway. Special preparation will be carried out to counter the threat of coronavirus at magh mela and keeping devotees safe from its infection, he said.
On Saturday, SSP Sarvshrestha Tripathi also visited Sangam and surrounding areas and gave necessary instructions for mela preparations.