Authorities in Lucknow have rolled out an extensive and multi-layered security plan for the high-profile inauguration of the 'Rashtra Prerna Sthal' in Basant Kunj. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the site on December 25, with an expected gathering of around 1.5 lakh attendees, including Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, deputy chief ministers, ministers, and legislators.
Operation Pehchan and Pre-Event Security Sweep
In the days leading up to the event, Lucknow Police initiated a special security drive named 'Operation Pehchan' from December 21 to 24. The focus of this operation is a 100% verification of tenants and outsiders living within a 20-kilometer radius of the venue. Beat officers are personally visiting properties, sensitizing landlords, and physically checking credentials to ensure no unidentified individuals remain in the area.
Simultaneously, security checks have been significantly intensified across the city. Hotels, lodges, guest houses, dharamshalas, restaurants, clubs, railway stations, and bus terminals are under strict scrutiny. Police are conducting continuous inspections of suspicious vehicles and objects. Special surveillance is also in place along the two alternative routes from Amausi airport to the venue in Basant Kunj.
Massive Deployment of Forces and Surveillance
For the event day itself, the police deployment is formidable. Over 4,300 civil police personnel will be on duty, supported by 18 companies of PAC, four companies of RAF, traffic police units, and intelligence teams. The security apparatus also includes elite and specialized forces such as the National Security Guard (NSG), Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), anti-drone squads, anti-sabotage teams, and anti-mine units.
Senior officers are monitoring the situation daily through the control room, with DCPs, ADCPs, and ACPs directly supervising arrangements in their assigned zones. The entire area will be under 24x7 CCTV surveillance, complemented by active social media monitoring to track any potential threats.
Traffic, Crowd Management, and Quick Response
A comprehensive traffic plan will be implemented starting December 24. Assistance units like PRVs, pink scooters, Eagle mobiles, and polygon teams have been stationed at strategic points to manage flow and aid visitors. To ensure seamless execution, police have conducted joint briefings and mock drills covering route rehearsals, crowd management protocols, and medical emergency response.
Additional security measures include:
- Rooftop deployment of personnel.
- Armed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) positioned for immediate action.
- Reserve police teams stationed at key points.
- PAC deployment at sensitive locations across the city.
This elaborate security blanket underscores the importance of the event and the administration's commitment to ensuring a safe and incident-free inauguration for all dignitaries and the large public gathering expected on Christmas Day.
