Indore District Administration Rolls Out Comprehensive Safety Protocol for Holi Gair Procession
In a significant move ahead of the Holi festivities, the Indore district administration has officially introduced a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for all groups participating in the traditional Rangpanchami Gair procession. This initiative aims to ensure a safe, secure, and meticulously organized celebration, addressing safety concerns that have emerged in recent years.
Enhanced Surveillance with High-Tech Drone Teams
Additional Commissioner of Police RK Singh announced that the festivities will be closely monitored by five specialized teams equipped with ten high-tech drones. This advanced aerial surveillance system will provide real-time oversight of the entire event, complementing a substantial ground deployment of police personnel. Officers are scheduled for extended shifts of 15 to 16 hours to maintain continuous vigilance.
Furthermore, CCTV cameras will be strategically installed along the main procession route and all connecting pathways, creating a comprehensive monitoring network to manage the lakhs of participants expected to join the celebrations.
Stringent Vehicle and Driver Regulations
The SOP mandates rigorous checks for all vehicles involved in the procession. Each vehicle must undergo mandatory mechanical and fitness testing prior to participation. Drivers are required to carry valid licences and submit to breathalyser tests to ensure they are not under the influence of alcohol. Any driver found intoxicated will be immediately prohibited from operating their vehicle.
Organizers have been instructed to keep backup drivers on standby to prevent disruptions. Additionally, every vehicle must be equipped with essential safety gear, including fire extinguishers, first-aid boxes, and stretchers, to handle any emergencies promptly.
Safety Measures Inspired by Past Tragedy
This comprehensive safety protocol was developed as a direct response to a tragic incident during last year's procession. In 2025, 32-year-old Sunny More lost his life after being run over by a tractor spraying colours. The administration has taken this event as a critical lesson, implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences.
Officials have directed the immediate removal of low-hanging electrical cables along the route and the completion of all necessary road patchwork. Secure barricading is mandated at locations with ongoing Metro or construction projects, and hazardous buildings along the procession path will be clearly marked with warning boards to alert participants.
Municipal Initiatives and Heritage Aspirations
The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has planned a specialized sanitation drive to clear the streets immediately after the event, ensuring the city returns to normalcy swiftly. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava revealed that the IMC intends to apply for UNESCO heritage status for the Gair tradition, emphasizing that a secure and well-organized event strengthens their case for global recognition.
"The more secure and organized we make this tradition, the stronger will be our case for its recognition as a world heritage asset," Bhargava noted, highlighting the dual goals of safety and cultural preservation.
Coordinated Preparations and Inspections
As part of their ongoing preparations, officials from the Indore district administration, police department, and municipal corporation conducted a joint on-site inspection of the traditional procession route on Saturday. This collaborative effort underscores the administration's commitment to a seamless and incident-free celebration, setting a new standard for festival safety in the region.
