High-tech security for Tarnetar fair in Surendranagar

Rajkot, Aug 31 (UNI) Elaborate security arrangements are being made for the two-century-old Tarnetar fair in Surendranagar district that commences on September 3.

Speaking to UNI, Superintendant of Police of Surendranagar district Ashok Kumar Yadav said seven watch towers along with long range binoculars and 10 close-circuit TV cameras are being installed at the fair site.

''In view of the recent blasts at Ahmedabad and the large crowd, including foreigners who throng the Fair, we are not willing to take any chance,'' Mr Yadav said.

Around 1,500 police constables, eight Deputy Superintendent of Police, 18 Police Inspectors, 55 Police Sub-Inspectors, 50 lady constables and one lady Inspector will be placed on round-the clock duty, he said.

Besides this, a 20-member intelligence squad and an infantry police team will also be deployed, Mr Yadav said.

The three-day fair is popularly known as the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Mela as it is held near Trinetreshwar temple, which according to folklore, is in the mythological ''Panchal'' region, the native place of Draupadi.

The Fair also includes a ''swayamvar'' every year.

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