Howdah jumbo to move with extra security cover

As jamboo savari on October 24 this time has a major change with elephant Arjuna succeeding Balarama as howdah carrier, police are extra alert to make it a smooth affair for the pachyderm.

Addressing media in the city on Saturday, police commissioner K L Sudheer who is also the chairman of Dasara Procession Sub-committee said ‘zero zone’ will be in place within the radius of main elephant, to prevent unauthorised persons moving near the same on the grand finale of Navaratri.

To ensure that only authorised persons like armed cops, forest personnel and veterinarians are in the ring; proximity passes will be issued to them.’

On security front, elaborate and two pronged measures have been devised with total 4,500 men strong force. While 1,500 member strong contingent of police force including the officers, are already on duty in the first phase.

In the second phase, 1,200 men will be arriving; among them are 23 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police force, 25 city armed reserve and district armed reserve police forces, besides 10 SP cadre officers, 30 DySPs and 60 inspectors. A commando force from internal security division will be joining the security duty along with the existing Chamundi Commando wing of the city police.

In addition to the existing 42 CCTV cameras in and around the jamboo savari route, additional 42 cameras have been installed to keep a close tab on the movement of the people.

In what would instil a sense of security among the people, especially to enable them take part in jamboo savari, the commissioner said the police are ready to face any exigency.

Briefing on the arrangements inside and outside the Palace, the top cop stated that the entrances will be declared ‘free zone’ for the day, again to prevent the movement of unauthorised persons. Pass and ticket holders have to pass through security cordon to the precincts to the Palace.

They will be allowed inside from 11 am. Most importantly, to check the curious audience from hopping on to gallery after galleries, wire mesh will be installed.

For press photographers and camera men temporary elevated platforms will be built in three different places near to the main dais from where the chief minister and other dignitaries will shower flower petals on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed inside 750-kg golden howdah, the commissioner said.

Cultural treat

As many as 35 tableaux and 75 cultural troupes from different parts of the state and also outside state, will be forming cultural troupes in jamboo savari procession.

Police commissioner K L Sudheer said, complying with the themes for the year to portray the significance of respective regions, the tableaux are being readied. Among cultural troupes, soliga dancers from Chamarajanagar, Kodavas, Karaga from Bangalore, ceremonial dance by tibetans, shahnai artistes from Koppal besides all other art forms will be on display that day. From south zone alone, artistes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh are coming, he added.

Laser angel

Acrobatics on motorcycles, grand Indian dance by 250 artistes led by dancer Sridhar Jain, ‘Nritya Sangama’ by noted danseuse Kripa Phadke, tent pegging, laser show and newly included ‘laser angel, fire show will be the attractions on offer at torchlight parade grounds in Bannimantap on the evening of jamboo savari. The nearly two hours and 40 minutes show is sure to steal the hearts of the audience with seating arrangements made for 20,000 audience.