Mathura:In view of the huge crowd of devotees, the administration and police have prepared a blueprint for security and traffic arrangements for the Radhashtami festival to be held on September 18 and 19 in Barsana, the birthplace of Radharani. It is estimated that about 30 to 35 lakh devotees will arrive not only from the state but also from all over the country on Radhashtami. Necessary guidelines have been given by senior police administration officials after on-site inspection of the area regarding crowd management and security.
This time, two entry routes have been made from Shreeji Gate and Peeli Kothi for the movement of devotees with traditional arrangements. Through these routes the devotees will be taken to the main Shreeji courtyard. A total of 38 holding areas have been created to control the crowd. The entire fair area will be monitored through CCTV cameras installed at 325 places. A centralized control room has been set up in the PWD guest house for monitoring.
A one-way route has been set up from the Jaipur temple for the evacuation of devotees. Two staircases have been reserved as contingency routes to deal with emergencies. The entry of devotees will be done through big stairs. Separate arrangements have also been made for local devotees. Passes will be issued to them on the basis of Aadhar card and they will be given scheduled time. Local devotees holding passes will be able to enter for darshan only during the stipulated time.
3000 policemen will handle security
Eight Additional Superintendents of Police, 36 area officers and about 3000 policemen have been deployed for the security arrangements of Radhashtami Mahotsav. Apart from this, the fair area and crowded areas will be monitored through drones from three places. For the safety of women and devotees, five anti-Romeo squads and policemen in plain clothes have been deployed to keep an eye on anti-social activities in the crowd.
Separate arrangements for third gender devotees also
Third gender devotees who arrive in large numbers on Radhashtami will also be given darshan by standing in queue like other devotees. According to police officials, the purpose of the arrangement is to ensure that no devotee is inconvenienced and the darshan system remains smooth.
Ambulance and fire teams at 10 places
Ambulances have been deployed at 10 places and fire teams have been deployed at 10 places to deal with emergency situations. Portable fire fighting equipment will also be available in the temple premises. A dry run of emergency services will be conducted a day before the festival. In this, preparations for movement of vehicles, rescue and other services in case of emergency will be practiced. The focus of the administration is on controlling the crowd along with ensuring safe movement of devotees and quick response in case of emergency.