Rooftop surveillance, diversions: UP cops step up security for I-Day, Janmashtami
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Lucknow: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including microlight aircraft, paragliders, hang-gliders, and drones, will be monitored closely, and unauthorised flights will be prohibited in the state as part of the enhanced security arrangements during Independence Day and Janmashtami on Aug 15 and 16.
The directive, aimed at ensuring high-level vigilance, public safety, and communal harmony, was issued by director general of police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna on Wednesday.
All major Independence Day events, including Tiranga Yatras, Prabhat Pheris, tableaux, and other public gatherings, are to be listed in advance for effective security and traffic arrangements, said the directive. Mandatory anti-sabotage checks will be carried out at all venues, with strict access control at entry and exit points, deployment of rooftop security and traffic diversions.
Special security will be in place at railway stations, metro stations, bus terminals, airports, cinemas, multiplexes, shopping malls, hotels, religious sites, and other high-footfall locations.
Continuous checking will be ensured at all district and state border entry points, with alertness at checkpoints and functional CCTV coverage.
Intelligence units and social media monitoring cells will keep watch on banned organisations, extremist elements, and suspicious movements.
Surprise checks on illegal weapons, liquor, and explosives trafficking will be conducted, supported by both permanent and temporary checkpoints.
Tenant verification drives will be undertaken in residential colonies, and security at sensitive religious and vital installations will follow prescribed SOPs.
Foot patrolling and large-scale flag marches will be conducted to deter potential disturbances.
For Janmashtami, police will compile detailed lists of all events, temples, pandals, and processions, estimating crowd sizes to plan robust security and traffic control.
Senior officers will oversee district-level arrangements. Past and potential flashpoints will be reviewed, and meetings will be held with event organisers, religious leaders, magistrates, and civic authorities to coordinate infrastructure, lighting, water, and electricity needs.
No new festival traditions will be allowed without approval.
Lists of anti-social or communal elements will be updated, with preventive measures taken as required.
Sensitive sites will be monitored via CCTV and drone surveillance, while videography will document processions and events.
Adequate deployment of police — including plainclothes male and female personnel for women's safety — will be ensured, and riot-control equipment will be kept ready.
The peace committee meetings will be revived in towns and neighbourhoods to seek community cooperation. Reserve police and PAC units will remain on standby at district headquarters.
The DGP also instructed that special coordination be established with organisers of Chehlum (Aug 14) and Janmashtami (Aug 16) to prevent any disputes, with senior officers directly supervising security execution.
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