Cops under 50 yrs with Covid –ve report for Magh Mela this time
PRAYAGRAJ: Police personnel, mostly under 50 years of age, would be deployed for duty during the Magh Mela, 57-day annual religious congregation, set to begin with Makar Sankranti bath on January 14.
The number of cops above 50 years would be less than 35 per cent, officials said.
All policemen would have to undergo mandatory covid tests, officials said. The Magh Mela would conclude on March 11, the Maha Shivratri day.
Security personnel have started arriving for Magh Mela duty and the mess at the police lines too has started functioning. Over 300 policemen have arrived for duty at magh mela so far and all of them under the age of 50 and have tested negative for Covid-19.
“Strict precautionary measures are being taken to keep magh mela corona free. Cops who are coming from outside districts for mela duty are being tested before being deployed for Magh Mela,” IG (range) KP Singh said.
“Cops over 50 years of age are not being called for mela duty from outside districts. Young policemen are being preferred.
The number of senior cops (above 50 years) will be less than 35 per cent at Mela, he added.
Much stress is being laid on following all Covid-19 protocols including use of masks, sanitisers and maintaining social distancing,” officials said.
Like every year, policemen arriving for duty are depositing Rs 2000 security money. This amount is returned after they complete their assignment, officials said.