Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a big decision to conduct major festivals like Diwali, Chhath Puja, Deepotsav and Dev Deepawali in Uttar Pradesh in a peaceful and safe environment. In view of the festivals, the state government has canceled the holidays of officers and employees from government level to tehsil and police station level with immediate effect. The Chief Minister has given clear instructions to the police and administrative officials that law and order, communal harmony and safety of the general public should be the top priority during festivals. He warned that strict action would be taken against those who try to spoil the atmosphere, spread rumors or disturb peace during festivals.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a high-level review of the state’s law and order and preparations for the upcoming festivals through video conferencing on Tuesday, November 3. In the meeting, necessary directions were given to senior administrative officers, police officers and responsible officers of various districts. The Chief Minister said that in the coming days, due to religious events and festivals across the state, a large number of people will gather in public places. In such a situation, arrangements for security and essential civic amenities should be ensured in advance.
The Chief Minister made it clear that the joy of festivals will not be allowed to turn into chaos or disturbance under any circumstances. He directed that special vigilance should be taken in sensitive areas and necessary steps should be taken immediately if information about any suspicious activity is received. Police and administrative officials have been instructed to be active in their respective areas and regularly monitor the security arrangements at the local level.
After the order of the Chief Minister, leaves of officers and employees from the government to the district, tehsil and police station level have been canceled in the state. The purpose of this decision is to keep the administrative system fully active during festivals, so that immediate action can be taken in any emergency.
During Diwali and Chhath Puja, there is a possibility of huge crowd gathering at major markets, religious places, ghats, temples and public places of the state. In view of this, the police have been instructed to exercise special vigilance. Officials have been told that security arrangements should be kept strong at crowded places and common people should not be allowed to face any kind of trouble.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the preparations for the grand Deepotsav to be organized in Ayodhya on November 7. He said that the convenience and safety of the devotees and tourists coming to Ayodhya should be given top priority. In view of the possibility of a large number of devotees arriving during the Deepotsav, instructions have been given to maintain better traffic, parking, security, cleanliness and other necessary arrangements.
The Chief Minister directed the officials to make effective arrangements for crowd control during religious events. Necessary security arrangements should be ensured at major entry and exit routes. Also, adequate drinking water, cleanliness, lighting and other basic facilities should be taken care of for the convenience of the devotees.
The police administration has been asked to remain alert in view of the increasing crowd in markets and commercial areas on the occasion of Diwali. It will be an important responsibility of the administration to ensure the safety and smooth traffic system of people coming to the markets for shopping during festivals.
The Chief Minister has also given special instructions regarding Chhath Puja. Chhath festival is celebrated on a large scale in many districts of Uttar Pradesh. During this time, a large number of devotees reach the banks of rivers, ponds and other reservoirs for worship. At such places, arrangements for cleanliness and adequate lighting along with security arrangements are necessary.
The Chief Minister directed that the local administration should timely review the preparations for religious events. Safe movement of people should be ensured especially in crowded places. As per requirement, coordination should be established between the concerned departments, so that any untoward incident can be prevented.
Instructions have also been given to take special precautions regarding Dev Diwali. Organizing Dev Diwali in Varanasi has special significance. On this occasion, a large number of devotees and tourists reach the Ganga Ghats. In such a situation, maintaining better arrangements for crowd control, security, traffic and cleanliness at the ghats remains a big challenge for the administration.
The Chief Minister laid special emphasis on maintaining communal harmony during festivals. He said that any attempt to disturb social harmony will not be tolerated. Officials have been instructed to keep a vigilant eye on those spreading rumors and elements trying to spoil the atmosphere through misleading information.
Along with this, there is also a need to be cautious regarding suspicious and misleading information being circulated on social media. It will be important for the administration to ensure that any unconfirmed information does not create a situation of fear or tension among the people.
The Chief Minister said that along with security, civic facilities should also be better during festivals. There should not be any negligence in essential arrangements like cleanliness, electricity, drinking water and transport. Instructions were given to the concerned departments to work in mutual coordination
