Kanwar Yatra: Change likely in security,darshan plans at Ram temple
AYODHYA, July 28 -- In view of the likely heavy crowd during the Sawan Jhula Mela and Kanwar Yatra in Ayodhya, preparations are being made for major changes in the security and darshan arrangements at the Ram temple.
Superintendent of police (security) for Ram Mandir, Vijay Shankar Mishra, said arrangements remain unchanged for now, but route diversions and other restrictions will be implemented according to the crowd.
According to administrative sources, from August 8-11 and August 23-28, entry into the temple complex without a pass may be prohibited. If the crowd becomes too large, darshan at all 6 sub-temples in the parkota may also be temporarily stopped, while the option of extending the duration of Ram Lalla darshan has also been kept open.
The administration estimates that 10 to 15 lakh devotees may reach Ayodhya during the Sawan festival. Even on normal days, the presence of 2 to 3 lakh devotees daily is anticipated in August.
The highest crowd of Kanwariya pilgrims is expected on August 10, the second Monday of Sawan month starting on July 30, sources said.
Under the proposed arrangement, only pass holders will be allowed entry to Sapt Mandapam and Kuber Navratna Tila. Under the general darshan arrangement currently in effect, 1,500 passes are issued in separate two-hour slots. These passes are made online through the official website of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Ayodhya CO Ashutosh Tiwari said the number of CCTV cameras is being increased during the festival. A public address system, additional lighting arrangements, pilgrim facilitation and lost-and-found centres, additional police force, PAC and water police will be deployed across the entire area.
Security at Saryu ghats and major temples-Nageshwarnath, Ksheereshwarnath, Hanumangarhi and Kanak Bhawan-will also be strengthened.
Security review meetings have already been held under DIG Somen Verma, while the final security roadmap will be approved in a meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Suraksha Samanvay Samiti.
The administration says Ram temple has the capacity to facilitate darshan for about 2 lakh devotees daily. If a larger crowd gathers, devotees will be allowed darshan in a phased manner through regulated routes....
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