Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Dussehra celebrations at the Shri Ramlila Committee Indraprastha grounds in IP Extension, East Delhi, on Tuesday, October 20, with more than 2,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed for security and crowd management.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnada. An additional effigy representing black marketers of counterfeit medicines will also be burnt during the event, according to the report published by Jagran – New Delhi.
Security arrangements at the venue and in surrounding areas were intensified ahead of the visit. The Special Protection Group, which is responsible for the Prime Minister’s security, took charge of the event site two days before the programme. Security checks at the Ramlila grounds were also increased on Monday, with visitors allowed entry only after 7 pm.
Entry arrangements will remain strict on Tuesday. Visitors will undergo searches at entry gates and their passes will be checked. The police and security agencies have also planned surveillance from nearby buildings, where snipers will be positioned. Drone monitoring will be used to watch the venue and adjoining areas.
Bomb-disposal teams, dog squads and quick response teams will be deployed to respond to any suspicious activity or emergency. Fire tenders and ambulances will also remain ready during the programme, according to the report.
The security plan will affect activities inside the Dussehra fair. Rides at the venue will remain closed while the Prime Minister is present. The arrangements are intended to separate the Prime Minister’s movement and the public gathering while maintaining security across the event area.
Traffic management is another priority for the Delhi Police. Personnel will be deployed at different points to regulate vehicle movement and control crowds around the venue. The report said coordination between the Delhi Police, paramilitary forces and other concerned units has been put in place for the programme.
East Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajiv Kumar said comprehensive security arrangements had been made in view of the Prime Minister’s visit. He said preparations had also been completed for security and traffic management, with coordination among the relevant units to ensure that the Dussehra event is conducted safely and peacefully.
The arrangements will remain in force during the Prime Minister’s presence at the IP Extension Ramlila grounds, with security agencies continuing surveillance of the venue and surrounding areas throughout the programme.
