Gujarat’s Director General of Police, Gyanendra Singh Malik, has instructed police officers in the state to bolster security arrangements, increase social media monitoring, and enhance coordination with local communities ahead of the annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra scheduled for July 16. The directive, issued during a high-level video conference chaired by Malik, emphasized special vigilance in sensitive areas like Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, and Khambhat.
Senior police officials, including the DGP (Law and Order) and the IGP, participated in the meeting to review security preparedness for the upcoming Rath Yatra. The focus of the discussions was on ensuring the peaceful conduct of the religious procession in Gujarat, maintaining communal harmony, and ensuring effective security measures despite the monsoon season.
Malik stressed the importance of heightened vigilance in sensitive spots, the availability of essential crowd-control equipment, and the need for intensive foot patrolling in vulnerable areas. He also emphasized the importance of engaging with local communities by organizing Peace Committee meetings and monitoring social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation during the event.
As part of the security measures, police personnel have been instructed to utilize body-worn cameras for transparency and accountability. Additionally, officers are tasked with identifying and addressing any potential disruptions along the procession routes, including coordinating with relevant departments to ensure safety from overhead electricity wires during the rainy season.
During the review, Malik engaged in detailed discussions with district superintendents of police and range inspectors general to fine-tune local security plans and address any necessary improvements to ensure comprehensive preparedness for one of Gujarat’s significant annual religious events.
