NAGPUR: Nagpur Police have put an extensive security plan in place for Dussehra, Vijayadashami and Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day, with approximately 3,500 police personnel set to be deployed across the city. From Deekshabhoomi and Dragon Palace in Kamptee to the RSS headquarters and multiple Ravan Dahan venues, authorities are preparing for large crowds and simultaneous events.
Police Commissioner Dr Vishwas Nangre Patil is overseeing preparations, with CCTV surveillance, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted monitoring, drones, bomb detection teams, dog squads, intelligence units and reserve forces forming part of the security arrangements.
The objective is to ensure that religious, social and cultural events take place peacefully while maintaining crowd control and smooth traffic movement.
3,500 Police Personnel to Be Deployed
According to the security plan, around 3,500 police personnel will be deployed at sensitive locations and major event venues. Senior officers, police inspectors, sub-inspectors and other personnel will oversee security in their assigned areas.
The arrangements will also involve the State Reserve Police Force, riot-control personnel and specialised response teams. Plainclothes officers will reportedly monitor suspicious activities in crowded areas.
Additional forces will be available for deployment if the situation requires it.
AI-Assisted Surveillance to Strengthen Security
This year’s security arrangements will include the use of AI technology to assist in analysing CCTV footage and identifying potentially suspicious activities in crowded areas.
Cameras will monitor major roads, public spaces, event entrances and other sensitive locations. Police will combine technological surveillance with intelligence inputs and on-ground monitoring.
Drone surveillance will also be used in accordance with applicable permissions and security protocols to assess crowd movement and conditions around major venues.
Police have emphasised that suspicious activity identified through technology will require appropriate verification and assessment.
Special Security Arrangements at Deekshabhoomi
Deekshabhoomi is expected to draw lakhs of followers from Maharashtra, other parts of India and abroad for Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day.
According to the reported deployment plan, the security arrangements at Deekshabhoomi will include two Deputy Commissioners of Police, one Assistant Commissioner of Police, 20 police inspectors, 40 sub-inspectors and approximately 600 police personnel, besides reserve forces and plainclothes officers.
Special attention will be given to entry and exit points, queues, crowd movement and traffic management.
Police will also monitor key junctions and surrounding areas, including Laxminagar Chowk, Bajaj Nagar Chowk, Kachipura and Mata Kacheri Chowk.
The priority is to prevent overcrowding at entrances and ensure that devotees can move through the premises safely.
450 Personnel Planned for Dragon Palace Area
Dragon Palace in Kamptee is another major destination expected to attract a large number of followers.
Around 450 police officers and personnel are reportedly planned for deployment in the Dragon Palace area. Crowd management, parking arrangements, vehicle movement and surveillance at entry routes will be key components of the security plan.
Police deployment is also planned at Constitution Square and Naglok, where officers will monitor public movement and manage traffic around scheduled events.
Bomb Detection Teams, Dog Squads and Drones on Standby
Specialised security teams will support the deployment at sensitive venues.
The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) will conduct inspections where required, while dog squads will assist in checking suspicious objects. Intelligence personnel will monitor relevant inputs, and coordination between the police control room and officers on the ground will remain essential.
Authorities have advised citizens not to handle unattended bags or suspicious objects themselves, but to report them to the nearest police officer or the police control room.
Security for RSS Vijayadashami Event
Police will also maintain security and traffic arrangements around the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters during its Vijayadashami programme and associated route march.
Officers will monitor surrounding roads, manage the movement of participants and visitors, and coordinate traffic restrictions wherever necessary.
The arrangements are intended to ensure that the RSS event proceeds peacefully alongside other major celebrations taking place across the city.
Ravan Dahan at 64 Locations Across Nagpur
According to the reported plan, Ravan Dahan programmes will be held at 64 locations across the city, including four venues each in the Wadi and Pardi areas.
Other locations mentioned include Kasturchand Park, Tiranga Chowk, Nandanvan, Darshan Colony, Rajabaxa, Chopde Lawn, Manish Nagar, Manewada and Reshimbagh.
Police are also preparing security arrangements for the immersion of 835 public Durga idols and Ghatasthapana-related immersions at 90 locations.
Crowd management, traffic regulation and security at immersion points will be important parts of the deployment.
Traffic Police to Monitor Major Routes
With several events taking place simultaneously, traffic congestion is expected around religious venues, public gathering points and major roads.
Traffic police will regulate vehicle movement at important junctions and near event locations. Temporary traffic diversions may be introduced wherever required.
Citizens have been advised to follow official traffic instructions, avoid unnecessary parking near crowded venues and check route advisories before travelling.
Police Appeal for Public Cooperation
Police Commissioner Dr Vishwas Nangre Patil and his team are coordinating preparations across the city, with officers and specialised units assigned responsibilities at different venues.
The police have appealed to citizens to maintain peace, avoid spreading rumours and immediately report suspicious objects or activities. Visitors have also been urged to follow instructions issued by officers at event venues and remain patient in crowded areas.
From Deekshabhoomi and Dragon Palace to the RSS Vijayadashami event and neighbourhood Dussehra celebrations, the administration’s stated priority is to ensure public safety and peaceful festivities across Nagpur.
