Over 3,000 security personnel to be deployed as lakhs expected to throng Mathura on 'Janmashtami'

Lucknow: With lakhs of devotees likely to throng Mathura on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami on Saturday, massive security arrangements have been made in the twin towns of Mathura and Vrindavan.

More than three thousand security personnel would be deployed in the town, according to the sources. Fifteen watch towers have been erected in the town to keep an eye on the crowd. Besides 94 barriers have been erected on the roads leading to important temples.

Police sources said that drones would be deployed to monitor the arrangements. Mathura town has been divided into 17 sectors with magistrates being entrusted with the task of overseeing the security arrangements in each sector.

More than 300 CCTV cameras would be installed in and around the famous temples. Additional security arrangements have been made at the ShriKrishna Janmabhoomi, Dwarikadheesh Temple and Banke Bihari Temple.

Security personnel in plainclothes would also be deployed in the town, sources said. Senior police and civil officials reviewed the arrangements on Friday.

The officials said that lakhs of devotees from around the country and abroad were expected to throng the twin towns of Mathura and Vrindavan to take part in the three-day long festival.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to visit the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple on Saturday.

Railways have extended some trains to Mathura railway station to enable the devotees to reach the town on the occasion of Janmashtami, sources said.

The vehicles coming into the town were being checked before being allowed in and the administration has also launched a verification drive in the areas near the Krishna Janmabhoomi.

All important temples in Mathura have been decorated with colourful lights and flowers. The temples of Vrindavan and the ghats of Yamuna river are also being decorated, the official said.