Given the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, the Yogi Adityanath government has deployed the water police personnel in Ayodhya to ensure proper management of the crowd of devotees, provide guidance and promptly address any untoward situation.

After Varanasi, Prayagraj and Mirzapur, Ayodhya is the fourth city where water police have been deployed at the ghats for the safety of devotees.

After the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30 for handing over several major projects, the attraction of devotees towards Ayodhya will tend to increase further. The water police have undertaken comprehensive preparations for the forthcoming movement of VVIPs from various parts of the country and the world who will be participating in the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram's idol in the grand Ram temple on January 22.

“The water police are well-prepared to take swift action in any adverse situation at all ghats, including Jamthara Ghat,” a government spokesman said here on Thursday.

One head constable and 19 constables are on duty, overseeing security. The equipment in use comprises four boats, each equipped with a 50 HP engine, along with 10 throw balls, 10 life buoy rings, 15 life jackets, 10 rescue tubes and two dragon lights.

In addition, two platoons of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) with a total of 35 personnel will remain on alert from Naya Ghat to Guptar Ghat. More facilities are likely to be added by January 20, including six boats, life jackets and other necessary equipment.

Since their deployment, water police have saved more than 400 people in the last four years. They work as a ray of hope for people who accidentally enter the deep water of the river and those who are in trouble in flood-affected areas. With the increasing number of devotees reaching Ayodhya, their challenges are expected to grow. A comprehensive plan has been prepared for this, and work is in progress.