With the Ramnavami festival fast approaching, the East Singhbhum district administration has intensified its preparations to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the celebrations. The administration has chalked out an elaborate security plan, which includes extensive video surveillance, deployment of police and paramilitary forces, traffic restrictions, and coordination with civic bodies for better infrastructure and water supply.
The Ramnavami celebrations will take place across the district on April 6, with the immersion of idols scheduled for April 7. Given the large-scale participation expected in the grand akhara processions, the district administration has identified several sensitive areas that will be placed under special security surveillance.
To prevent any untoward incidents, the administration has decided to implement round-the-clock surveillance in sensitive areas. Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawans will be deployed in key locations to maintain law and order. Additionally, CCTV cameras installed by the district police will provide real-time monitoring of the events from the control room.
In a crucial directive, the administration has instructed all local police stations and Ramnavami Akhara committees to ensure video recording of the entire procession and the immersion ceremony. The administration will also deploy special video photography teams at strategic points along the procession routes to capture live footage.
To further enhance security, magistrates have been assigned to oversee the recording process, ensuring foolproof documentation of the proceedings. This step is being seen as a major preventive measure to monitor crowd movement and prevent any untoward incidents.
The district has been divided into 25 zones and six super-zones, with designated officers overseeing each zone’s security measures. The police and administrative officials have been instructed to coordinate with urban local bodies to ensure proper cleaning of roads and ghats before the festival.
As part of traffic management efforts, the administration has announced severe restrictions on vehicle movement on the day of the procession. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter the city on April 7, while private vehicles will be restricted after 2 PM to facilitate smooth movement of the processions.
While the city administration is focusing on urban security, special attention is also being given to Maoist-affected regions in rural areas. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishore Kaushal has issued specific directives to all police stations in the district to remain on high alert and maintain regular communication with local Akhara committees. The police have also been instructed to increase patrolling in vulnerable zones to prevent any disruptions.
Understanding the importance of adequate water supply during the festival, the administration has sought support from the corporate sector, along with Jusco, for providing water tankers at key locations where akharas will be gathering. Special arrangements have been made to ensure that devotees and participants do not face a water crisis during the festival.
Moreover, the district administration is working on ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the festival period, particularly along the procession routes. Officials have been directed to fix any potholes or road damages on major streets to facilitate smooth movement of the processions.
Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal and SSP Kishore Kaushal have conducted multiple review meetings with law enforcement agencies and civic bodies to finalize the security and logistical arrangements. In the latest meeting, officials were directed to coordinate effectively and respond swiftly to any security concerns.
