Himachal: Over 1,000 security personnel to be deployed for Manimahesh Yatra
More than 1,000 police and Home Guard personnel will be deployed along the Manimahesh Yatra route this year to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal said on Saturday.
Presiding over a meeting to review the preparedness for the annual pilgrimage, Repaswal said the main communication control room would be established at the Bharmour sub-division headquarters to ensure effective coordination and communication among various departments during the yatra.
As part of the security arrangements, pilgrim movement will remain restricted from Mehla onwards between 11 pm and 4 am, while movement from Hadsar to the sacred lake will be prohibited between 7 pm and 4 am.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure deployment of sector magistrates, close monitoring of pilgrims, regulated movement of heavy vehicles and availability of necessary equipment and machinery in vulnerable areas. Volunteers will also be deployed along the route from Hadsar to Dal Lake.
Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani said around 1,000 police and Home Guard personnel had been proposed for deployment during the yatra.
The pilgrimage route will be divided into different security sectors for effective monitoring and crowd management.
The sectors will cover stretches from Karian to Dharwala, Dharwala to Khadamukh, Khadamukh to Sawanpur, Sawanpur to Patti Nullah, Patti Nala to Hadsar and Hadsar to Dhancho. The route from Gauri Kund to Dal Lake will also be brought under the security plan.
Saklani said alternative routes used by local residents for regular movement would also be included in the security arrangements this year to ensure comprehensive monitoring of the area.
Repaswal appealed to pilgrims to strictly follow the timings and routes prescribed by the administration and comply with all safety instructions. He urged devotees to cooperate with the police and administration and exercise caution in view of weather and route conditions.
