Patna is preparing one of its largest festive meetings because thousands of people are anticipated to flock to the Gandhi Maidan on the big Ravan Dahan on Dussehra. Considering the sheer attendance, the police and the district administration have stepped up security in the venue and made the ground a high-security area. This year is devoted to technology-based surveillance and crowd control to make the celebration safe and smooth.
In order to maintain a close watch, there were 128 CCTV cameras set at various locations within Gandhi Maidan. These cameras are linked to a main control room and will enable real-time observation of the crowd and timely action to an incident considered rogue. 13 Watch towers have also been installed around the ground. Through these high places, the security will closely monitor the flow of people, security personnel will identify the possible risk, and divert traffic to prevent overcrowding.
Massive deployment of police force, including senior police in the Maidan and nearby regions, has been established. Plainclothes policemen have also been placed in the crowd to make them act swiftly in case of emergencies. The control of entry and exit gates, parking areas and coordination of traffic diversions on roads leading to Gandhi Maidan have been allocated to separate teams. The administration is not taking any chances in terms of the security of the people, considering the number of lakhs of people who are expected.
Fire safety arrangements have also been given particular consideration since the burning of the giant effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath is the main event of the event. The fire tenders, ambulances, and disaster response teams will be on standby all through the evening. There are also emergency exit routes that have been marked by the officials so that in case of an emergency, evacuation is required.
Dussehra festivals of Gandhi Maidan are of immeasurable cultural and religious importance to the community of Patna and beyond. Every year, families, children, and visitors come here to be a witness to the symbolic victory of good over evil. With the disheartening record of stampedes in massive gatherings, the authorities have this time paid keen attention to the act of crowd management.
Gandhi Maidan has been turned into a fortress with high-tech surveillance, watch towers and a heavy security force before the Ravan Dahan. The message of the administration is obvious: celebrations are supposed to be the time of joy and unification, rather than fear and insanity. The citizens of Patna will now have a reason to celebrate Dussehra, knowing that they will be safe and the city will be secure at the largest cultural ground in Patna.
