Tight security for Godavari Pushkaralu
20,000 policemen has been put into service
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2015-06-28 01:00 GMT
Hyderabad: Elaborate security arrangements are being made at the holy Godavari Pushkaralu to avoid any untoward incidents such as stampedes, property offences, road accidents, traffic jams, and foraying into deep water.
Security to pilgrims and temples and also places where people are likely to shelter is being looked into, said additional director general of law and order R.P. Thakur.
He said that about 20,000 police personnel under two Inspector General range officers would be deployed for continuous patrolling both foot as well as vehicular to prevent any untoward incident and to render immediate service to the pilgrims from July 14 to 25.
Quick Rescue Teams would be deployed at all the 258 ghats along the Godavari in both East and West Godavari districts, which were categorized into A+, A, B and C.
Police officials expected that about four crore pilgrims from all over the country would visit mainly Rajahmundry, Kovvur, Devipatnam and Kunavaram.
All the Closed Circuit Television cameras would be linked through 4G internet connection to the Master Command and Control Centre at Rajahmundry, which will function round the clock and it will be equipped with high-end video analysing technology.
The AP police department has requested the neighbouring states like Telangana, Odisa, Tamil Nadu, Karnatak and Chattisgarh to send personnel for spotter duties for assisting in identification of criminal and anti social elements apart from additional force for security. National Disaster Response Force teams would also be deployed for emergency response.
Cops go hi-tech to guard skies
The AP police will use drones for security at the Godavari Pushkaralu, and reach out to pilgrims on social media and through FM radio. Additional DG, law and order, R. P. Thakur said a social media cell would be set up to keep in touch with pilgrims through Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp and SMS.
The police would also run FM radio stations to pass on instructions. An app is being developed to provide information. The police plans to use helicopter drones and aerostats — balloons fitted with cameras — for aerial surveillance, besides covering the area with CCTV systems.