Enhanced Security Measures for Hanuman Jayanti Procession in Delhi
In preparation for Thursday's Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in northwest Delhi, authorities have implemented a comprehensive, multi-layered security arrangement. The procession route in Jahangirpuri has been extended to 2 kilometers, a significant increase from its previous shorter stretch. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to ensure the event proceeds peacefully and securely.
Strengthened Security Infrastructure
Security has been substantially reinforced along the entire procession path to prevent any recurrence of the stone-pelting incidents that led to violence during the 2022 celebrations. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Akanksha Yadav emphasized that the procession will be conducted strictly within a fixed time window, commencing after 10 AM from opposite the Delhi Jal Board DDA flats in Jahangirpuri. It will proceed along Mahindra Park and culminate at Sai Mandir in Adarsh Nagar.
"There will be 10 companies of outside forces deployed along the route to ensure no untoward incident takes place," stated DCP Yadav. In addition to ground forces, advanced technological surveillance will be employed. Four drones will be deployed to monitor the procession in real-time, providing aerial oversight that complements the installation of more than 100 additional CCTV cameras. These cameras will cover key entry and exit points, intersections, and other critical locations along the route.
Crowd Control and Traffic Management
Approximately 150 Delhi Police personnel will be deployed specifically for crowd control, ensuring that law and order are maintained throughout the event. Strategic arrangements include:
- Installation of barricades at strategic points
- Establishment of pickets at critical locations
- Intensive patrolling in sensitive pockets
Effective traffic management has been coordinated with Delhi Traffic Police and other agencies. This includes planned diversions to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public convenience while maintaining stringent security protocols.
Strict Guidelines for Participants
Police have issued rigorous guidelines for both organizers and participants to maintain order and safety:
- Attendance will be capped at 500 individuals
- No animals or unauthorized structures will be permitted
- Carrying of weapons, firearms, lathis, or any hazardous items is strictly prohibited
- Participants must refrain from provocative slogans, speeches, or activities that may disrupt communal harmony
- Use of loudspeakers is allowed only in accordance with prescribed norms and timing restrictions
Organizers are required to deploy volunteers to assist police personnel in regulating the procession and ensuring orderly conduct. "These measures aim to guarantee the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations are conducted peacefully, with the safety of participants and the general public prioritized throughout the event," explained a police officer.
Background of Previous Incident
The heightened security measures follow the violence that erupted on April 16, 2022, in Jahangirpuri's C Block during a Hanuman Jayanti procession. That incident resulted in injuries to nine people, including eight police personnel. In the aftermath, 37 individuals were arrested in connection with the clashes, underscoring the need for robust preventive measures this year.
The comprehensive security plan reflects lessons learned from past events, combining human resources, technological surveillance, and strict regulatory frameworks to facilitate a peaceful religious celebration while safeguarding public order in the national capital.
