Madhya Pradesh police is prepared for ensuring smooth and peaceful conduct of the month-long Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv Mela scheduled to commence in the ancient temple town Ujjain on April 22. Gathering of about five crore people from within India and abroad is expected there.
The Simhastha takes place every 12 years, on the bank of the Kshipra River, in the state's western part. In fact, the state government began readying for the event some years back! The law-enforcement authorities girded up their loins by equipping themselves with ultramodern devices.
Director General of Police (DGP) Surendra Sinh said that a blanket of security shall be thrown over Ujjain and adjoining areas during the event. The intelligence machinery has been made firmer and more active. Though no threat was received regarding any attack, every precaution is being taken. A Quick Response Team is stationed to deal with situations such as terrorist assaults, taking of hostages and planting of bombs. Personnel of the Counter-Terrorism Squad and Central Armed Police Forces are being deployed.
Assistance is being sought from the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, specially-trained sniffer dogs and landmine detectors. Special training is being imparted in various stages to the officers and men who are to be on duty. Separate arrangements will be in place for very very important persons and VIPs.
Six massive checkpoints were built on roads leading to the holy town. In addition, approximately two dozen such points were erected on entry points to Ujjain.
“The points are being equipped with pan-tilt-zoom technology closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) and automobile number plate recognition cameras. It is being kept in mind that the common man is not inconvenienced. An endeavour shall be made to ensure that an individual is searched in not more than 40 seconds.
Hundreds of CCTVs were put up within the town and have face detection software. Special cameras will count the influx of people. Drone cameras possessing thermal imaging software shall also be part of the arrangement. Incident management software will be available in the CCTV control room,” the top cop said.