900 personnel set to be deployed at Mandi Shivratri fair

Mandi, March 7

Mandi SP Sakshi Verma said that around 900 police and home guard personnel would be deployed to maintain law and order during the weeklong International Shivratri fair in Mandi.

She informed media persons today that Mandi city and its outskirts had been divided into six sectors — the Padal Ground, the sitting place of the deities, Seri Manch, Mandi-Sundernagar road, Khaliyar road and Pandoh road.

“During the fair, every nook and corner of the city would be monitored through CCTV cameras. At present, 250 CCTV cameras have been installed here. Whereas, another 20-30 would be installed around the Padal Ground and Seri Manch, where heavy crowd is expected during the fair. Apart from this, a special police squad has been formed to deal with mischievous elements. A strict vigil will be kept on those involved in buying and selling of drugs during the fair,” she added.

“To reduce vehicular congestion in the city during the fair Moti Bazaar-Victoria Bridge, Talyar-Mandi, Talyar-Ramnagar and Rotary-Chowk-Suketi bridge roads will be open only for one-way traffic. There will be no entry for big vehicles except ambulances and essential services. A temporary bus stop will be made near Sakodi bridge for the vehicles coming from Bari Gumanu and Talyar, where there will be arrangements for passengers to board and disembark,” the SP said.

She said that during the Shivratri fair, parking arrangements will be made for vehicles coming from outside on the banks of Beas river at Khaliyar outside the city. Apart from this, parking facility would be available at Bhimakali temple, Gurdwara Padal Sahib and Suketi Bridge to Pulgharat.

“A police control room would be set up at Padal Ground during the fair. Traffic system will be controlled during the Shobha Yatra of deity Madho Rai from Mandi town up to Padal ground to avoid hindrance during the yatra,” she added.