Air show security on Maha Kumbh lines: 20 lakh people expected in Varanasi over 3 days; PM and CM may atten...

Varanasi3 hours ago

Preparations completed at Namo Ghat for the Army's grand air show. Security arrangements will be made on the lines of Maha Kumbh.

Varanasi is set to witness, for the first time, the historic valour, courage and strategic capabilities of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. A grand and large-scale air show has been proposed in Varanasi on 22, 24 and 25 October. Around 15 to 20 lakh people are expected to attend the historic event. In view of the massive turnout, the Uttar Pradesh government and the local administration have made extensive security arrangements of the kind usually seen during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh.

The air show is expected to be attended by the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, as well as several prominent and distinguished personalities from India and abroad. The Varanasi police and administrative machinery have gone into full alert mode to manage VIP movement and the crowd of lakhs of people.

Military aircraft are parked in a hangar at Varanasi airport.

Security to follow Maha Kumbh model

According to Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal, a three-tier security plan is being prepared on the lines of the Maha Kumbh to make the event completely safe and well-organised. Additional police forces will be deployed along all the city's major routes, the ghats along the Ganga and sensitive areas. Temporary police stations and outposts are being set up in key parts of the city and near the venue to control crowds and make the security arrangements more effective. Along with security, discipline and better management will be the main pillars of the entire event.

Security arrangements have been tightened at 20 ghats on this side of the Ganga and 10 ghats across the river for the air show.

Police personnel arriving from outside are being trained in the lanes of Kashi

The CP said, "Kashi is known for its narrow lanes, ghats and unique geographical layout. A special plan has therefore been drawn up to ensure that police personnel arriving from other districts face no difficulties while on duty. The Police Commissioner said that all personnel deployed for security would not only be assigned responsibility for their respective duty points, but would also be familiarised with Kashi's geographical features and layout."

As part of this, police personnel from outside the city are being given detailed briefings and training on Varanasi's narrow lanes, major roads, Ganga ghats and important locations. The purpose of this special training is to ensure that personnel can easily identify routes during emergencies or when dealing with heavy crowds, enabling effective crowd management, traffic control and the prompt delivery of assistance to the public in any emergency.

Watchtowers are being built.

Diversion plan will be prepared for traffic

To ensure the city's traffic does not come to a standstill because of the movement of hundreds of thousands of spectators and VIP vehicles, the traffic police are preparing a comprehensive traffic diversion plan. Entry of heavy vehicles into the outer and inner parts of the city will be restricted, and separate routes are being designated for VIPs and the general public.

• Parking arrangements: Large parking areas are being identified at the city's entry points and near the venue to prevent traffic jams on the roads.

• Green corridor: A 'green corridor' will be arranged between major hospitals and the venue to deal with any medical emergency, allowing ambulances to travel without any obstruction.

• Temporary medical camps: Temporary medical camps and teams of doctors will be deployed around the venue to provide immediate first aid and necessary treatment.

The sole purpose of these extensive arrangements is to ensure the smooth movement of the lakhs of spectators visiting Kashi, showcase the valour of the Indian Air Force to the public without any hindrance, and ensure the convenience of local residents.