The district administration of Haridwar is gearing itself up for huge rush of devotees expected on the occasion of ‘Ganga Dussehra’ on May 28. To add to the woes of the police and administration the festival is followed by the auspicious ‘Nirjala Ekadashi’ on May 29.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Sweety Agarwal has deputed Superintendent of police (SP) city, Surjeet Singh Panwar as Mela in charge for these festivals. The SSP has also demanded additional police from neighbouring districts for successful conduction of these festivals. Agarwal said that the entire Mela area would be divided into 12 zones and 42 sectors for ensuring smooth traffic and peace during the occasion. Police officer of rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) would be entrusted with managing a zone while officer of the rank of Inspector/ Sub Inspector would oversee management of sectors.
The SSP has asked the officials to increase the capacity of parking places and prepare a contingency plan for traffic management on the day in view of heavy traffic inflow. The district police has demanded five companies of PAC, 07 Dy SPs, 10 inspectors, 80 Sub Inspectors, 10 female SI, 60 head constables, 300 constables and 02 bomb disposal squads for the festival.
The administration is expecting huge turnout of devotees for these festivals as the festival falls during Yatra season and at the time when summer vacations are in schools and colleges.