In the wake of blasts in Bodh Gaya, the Gujarat Police has issued a high alert to intensify security at sensitive places in the State and has planned to rope in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to monitor the Jagannath Rath Yatra.
The State Home Department is taking extra caution as Ahmedabad is preparing for the Rath Yatra which will pass through sensitive areas on Ashadhi Bij on July 10.
The Rath Yatra in the State is considered second biggest after that one in Jagannath Puri in Odisha. The Gujarat CM traditionally attends the Yatra every year.
Narendra Modi on Sunday criticised the serial blasts at Bodh Gaya and said, "Cowardly attack on Mahabodhi temple is a matter of great sadness for the people of India and the Buddhist community around the world."
"Alert has been sounded. We will not leave any stone unturned as far as security is concerned," said Amitabh Pathak, DGP, Gujarat.
"This is for the first time in the country, a religious event will be monitored by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles," a senior official said.Unlike in Jagannath Puri, riots have taken place many a time during the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra.
"As many as two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles will petrol and monitor the procession. It would also take digital photographs of the Yatra. In addition to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, 20 Closed Circuit Television cameras will be installed at various places during the Rath Yatra," Pathak said.
Arrangements have also been made for 14 CAPF companies, including Border Security Force (6), Rapid Action Force (4), Central Reserve Police Force (2) and Central Industrial Security Force (2) to prevent anti-social elements.
Besides, eight teams of Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad will also be deployed. Two DIG-rank officers, 19 SPs, 46 DSPs, 160 inspectors, 100 sub-inspectors, 1,400 head constables and constables, two platoons of women police constables and 25 SRP companies will be deployed from outside the city, Pathak said, adding that this force would be in addition to city police.