Delhi Police is preparing new guidelines regarding rallies, public meetings and demonstrations to be held at Ramlila Maidan in the capital Delhi. Under the proposed rules, the maximum number of participants attending events is now set to be limited to 50,000. Apart from this, it has also been proposed to fix timings for the programmes. According to the new guidelines, it is proposed to keep the timing of events like rallies, meetings and demonstrations to be held at Ramlila Maidan from 10 am to 5 pm. Its objective is to conduct public events under prescribed rules and time limits.
Draft SOP sent to Delhi Police Headquarters for approval
According to a senior Delhi Police official, the draft of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to control rallies and public events at Ramlila Maidan has been sent to the Delhi Police Headquarters for approval. At present this proposal is in the initial stage and its provisions are yet to be finalized. The main objective of the proposed guidelines is to bring the protests, rallies and public meetings taking place at Ramlila Maidan in Central Delhi within the prescribed scope of safety, security and administrative arrangements. Through this, there is a plan to improve crowd management and security arrangements during big events.
Before taking permission, approval will have to be taken from MCD.
Under the proposed system, for any event, the organizers will first have to take approval from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding the availability of the ground. Only after this will they be able to seek permission from Delhi Police to organize the program. Additionally, it is planned to make it mandatory to submit applications at least 10 days before the date of the proposed event. This will provide adequate time to the police and related administrative agencies for preparation of the event, security arrangements and crowd control.
Permission will have to be taken even to fly a drone
The responsibilities of the organizers have also been clarified in the draft of the proposed SOP. Under this, the organizers will have the entire responsibility of handling the crowd coming to the program. They will have to coordinate with traffic police officials and also make arrangements for the movement of people and drop-off points along with parking of vehicles. Apart from this, the organizers will have to ensure that there is no obstruction on the surrounding roads and emergency routes during the event, so that ambulances and other emergency services do not face any problem in movement if needed.
There will be a ban on weapons and prohibited items
The proposed security guidelines provide for a ban on carrying of guns, swords, spears, sharp objects and other prohibited items. Along with this, the organizers will have to take prior permission to fly drones in and around Ramlila Maidan. The organizers will have to make adequate arrangements for drinking water, medical aid and cleanliness for the people attending the event. Apart from this, the organizers will also be responsible for proper disposal of waste. The proposed SOP aims to maintain security, traffic management, emergency services and infrastructure during large public events.
Delhi Police official said that the draft of new guidelines prepared for rallies and public events at Ramlila Maidan is currently in the initial stage. It has been sent to Delhi Police Headquarters for approval. According to the official, the competent authority will review the proposed rules and their provisions. The final Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be implemented only after all aspects are examined and necessary approvals are obtained.
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