The Haridwar district administration on Tuesday reviewed security, traffic and route diversion at a meeting held in the traffic police line in view of Makar Sakranti slated to be celebrated on Wednesday and Thursday.
Makar Sakranti will be observed on two days i.e. January 14 and 15 as per the Hindu calendar (Panchaang). The administration has divided the mela area into five zones and 14 sectors to facilitate the people who, in their thousands, are expected to dip in the holy Ganga to mark the auspicious occasion. For every zone, one in-charge of the rank of deputy superintendent of police or Inspector has been appointed. For every sector, an officer of the rank of SO or senior sub- inspector has been deputed.
In all, four Dy SPs, 10 Inspectors, 34 sub- Inspectors, 29 constables, 240 male and female police sepoys are deployed for mela duty. Besides, two sub- Inspectors, three head constables, 30 constables of Traffic police will also be the part of Mela police. A team of lIU, including eight sub-inspectors, three head constables and 11 constables will also there to keep tab on things. In addition, five companies of PAC/IRB, three teams of mounted police, five teams of anti -bomb squad and four teams of water police/divers will be ready to meet any contingency.
Briefing those on mela duty, SSP Haridwar Sweety Agarwal asked all the on-duty persons to be alert and active during the mela. SP City Haridwar Surjit Singh Pawar elaborated the traffic diversion plan. All the senior officials from all the departments of the district attended the meeting.