UP security arrangements for Kanwar Yatra mirrors Mahakumbh

Lucknow: Elaborate security arrangements were made along the kanwar yatra routes in Uttar Pradesh almost reminiscent of the arrangements during the Mahakumbh earlier this year.

According to the official sources on Friday, around thirty thousand CCTV cameras were installed and 395 hi-tech drones have been deployed for surveillance on the Yatra routes.

A modern control room was established to monitor and supervise the arrangements, sources said.

A special cell has also been set up to keep an eye on the messages spread across social media, the officials added.

They said that in a bid to ensure fool proof security on the Yatra routes and at the Shiva temples, hi-tech drones, including the tethered drones, which could remain in the air for a longer duration, have been deployed for surveillance.

Besides, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Quick Response Teams (QRT) have also been deployed to tackle any untoward situation. A total of 13520 sub-inspectors and around 40 thousand constables would remain deployed on the Yatra routes.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had issued strict instructions to the officials to be on the alert and respond immediately to any untoward incidents. He has also issued directives to ensure proper facilities for the devotees.

Sources said that a special cell was set up to monitor the messages on social media and directives have been issued to take strict and prompt action against anyone trying to spread fake news.

’We will take stern action against those spreading fake news or rumours,’’ said UP police chief Prashant Kumar.