STF, ATS to ensure security during 'Shrawani Mela'

Lucknow, Jul 2 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments will jointly make unprecedented security arrangements during the high-profile 'Shrawani Shivratri Mela' during which lakhs of Kanwarias tarvel on foot to reach Hardwar covering several districts of both the states.

Close Circuit Televisions (CCTvs) would be installed at various traffic points and important religious intsallations, beside the induction of Special Task Force (STF) and Anti-Terrorists Squad (ATS) of UP for the first time.

A joint security plan was prepared during a high-level meeting between officers of both the states in Meerut. The meeting was attended by IGs of Garhwal range, Meerut range, DIGs and SPs of several districts of UP and Uttarakhand, Additional Director General of Police (ADG) (Law and Order) UP Brij Lal told UNI here today.

Mr A K Gupta, Director Traffic of UP was also invited in the meeting as the flow of pilgrims had always been a dauting task for the administration hence a traffic plan was also mooted for the month long affair starting July 19.

Mr Lal said the UP government had initiated the joint meeting, while according utmost importance to one of the most important religious affairs in western UP and neighbouring districts of Uttarakhand.

The main gathering would take place on July 30 when about five million kanwarias carring kanwars on their shoulders would be present in Hardwar.

The sepcial security mechanism would be set up at Hardwar and Porran Mahdev temple in Baghpat district, where about 25 lakh devotees would offer prayers on the Shivratri day.

Beside STF and ATS, the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) would also be deployed to assist the local police.

The entire pilgrimage route would be divided into zones and sectors for security purposes as the normal national highway would be closed for general traffic during the month to facilitate the movement of kanwarias.

UNI SB JAS AKJ HS1654