More than 13,000 police personnel will be deployed across Delhi-NCR for Dussehra celebrations, with authorities focusing on crowded religious sites, processions, event venues, traffic movement and the prevention of street crime, police officials said.
Delhi Police will deploy around 10,000 personnel across the capital, including round-the-clock teams at sensitive locations, prominent temples, pandals and venues hosting Dussehra events. Senior officers will inspect deployment sites and review whether adequate manpower is available, according to the police.
In Gurugram, around 2,200 personnel have been assigned to 66 Ravan Dahan sites, 17 religious processions and other related events. Faridabad has made security arrangements involving 1,200 police personnel to maintain law and order during the celebrations. Traffic police in both cities have prepared crowd-management plans to support the movement of visitors and devotees.
The deployment comes as police expect a significant increase in footfall at religious locations and public venues. Authorities said teams would be positioned at strategic points to manage crowds, respond to emergencies and maintain law and order. Police personnel will also coordinate with other agencies around major event sites and religious centres.
Preventing pickpocketing, snatching and other street crimes is another stated priority in areas where large gatherings are expected. Police teams will remain alert to suspicious activity, while senior officers will monitor arrangements and assess requirements at different locations during the festivities.
The Central district of Delhi is expected to face particularly heavy footfall because Dussehra coincides with continuing religious activity linked to Navratri and Durga Puja. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Central District Angad Mehta said the area experiences a substantial increase in visitors during the festive season.
“The Central District experiences a very heavy load during the festive season. Beyond Dussehra, we also see a significant footfall at Jhandewalan during Navratri. Furthermore, Durga Puja celebrations are currently underway simultaneously at multiple locations,” Mehta said.
He said male and female police personnel had been deployed around the clock, with senior officers making regular visits to deployment sites. “Consequently, the Central District has put comprehensive arrangements in place, with police personnel, both male and female, deployed around the clock. Senior officers also conduct regular visits to the deployment sites. In light of this, we have ensured the deployment of an adequate police force,” Mehta added.
The arrangements place crowd movement and traffic regulation alongside conventional law-and-order duties. Police officials said deployment levels would be reviewed at different locations, with officers monitoring crowd conditions and coordinating responses as Dussehra events take place.
