With a huge number of devotees including Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Manipur and ministers expected to attend world-famous 'lathh maar' Holi of Barsana from February 24, the local administration was geared up to ensure adequate security for the festival.
Dairy, Minority affairs, Culture and Haj minister lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary was making every effort to make the festival historic. "With the festival being promoted globally, and topurists from India and abroad expected, the celebrations could well be registered in Guinness Book of Records," Chaudhary said.
SSP of Mathura Swapnil Mamgain said that Barsana has been divided into three zones and eight sectors to ensure proper security. "Additional SPs would be in-charge of each zone while Deputy SPs will supervise sectors. As many as 12 ASPs, 30 Circle Officers, 25 Inspectors/ station house officers, 250 sub-inspectors, 1300 constables, 100 traffic constables, 10 women sub-inspectors, 30 women constables, 6 mounted police officials, one company PAC will be deployed in the area for better security arrangements," said the SSP adding that cops in plain clothes will be deputed at sensitive areas to keep an eye on disturbing elements.
Mamgain said that stringent action will be taken against miscreants involved in molesting women or misbehaving with t hem during the festival.
SP (Traffic) Brijesh Kumar Singh said that entry of all vehicles will be restricted from February 22 evening to February 24 evening in the circumference of 500 meters of Barsana. He said that barricading have been placed to guide vehicles as well as devotees to the temples and the festival venue in Barsana.