Unprecedented security in Mathura for Janamashtmi

Mathura, Sept 4 (UNI) Unprecedented security network has been put in place to avoid any untoward incident with over 7 lakh devotees and visitors expected in this township, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, on the occasion of Janamshtmi tomorrow.

Every year, the janambhoomi receives 30 lakh devotees and tourists around this time of the year.

Keeping this in mind, the entire city has been divided into three zones viz red, yellow and green.

''The red zone is close to the Krishnajanambhoomi where unprecedented security arrangements have been made,'' District Magistrate Arti Mesram told UNI.

''Nobody can enter the temple without being physically checked.

It has electronic gadgets and additional CCTvs have also been put,'' she added.

The yellow and green areas with light security.

The entire city has been divided into 13 sectors. Each sector has a sector magistrate who will report to senior police officer in charge of that sector.

Also, additional CRPF forces, PAC and heavy state paramilitary forces have been added to the security network.

Besides this, adequate traffic arrangements are in place.

''Eleven parking places have been created beyond which no four-wheelers will be allowed. Beyond the parking area, cloak rooms, Khoya-paaya kendra have been erected,'' Ms Mesram said.

Prior to Janamashtmi, special search operations and dummy checks were carried out to check any loopholes in the security arrangements.

Bomb disposal squads have been deployed at the railway stations and bus stands.

Besides this, ''cleanliness drive is underway, roads are being repaired and a complete record of foreign tourists coming to Mathura and Vrindavan is being maintained,'' said DK Sharma, UP tourism department official. ''Various intelligence agencies also maintain round the clock vigil,'' he added.

UNI