In a major administrative move to ensure foolproof security arrangements throughout the long festive season stretching from Diwali up to Chhath Puja, the police headquarters in Uttar Pradesh has taken strict measures. Keeping in view the massive crowds expected to gather in bustling markets, major religious sites, and various public places during these celebrations, the authorities have deployed 34 additional Provincial Armed Constabulary or PAC companies along with one platoon across 45 districts of the state. This massive deployment of security personnel raises an important question regarding the reasons behind such extensive preparations and the specific operational strategies being implemented by the government.
Comprehensive Security Arrangements for Festivals
Festivals like Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath witness enormous crowds of citizens visiting commercial markets, temples, worship pandals, and riverbanks. Maintaining law and order amidst such huge gatherings poses a significant challenge and responsibility for the state police machinery. In response to these demands, Director General of Police Rajiv Krishna has issued strict directives to all senior officers and field personnel to remain extremely vigilant and execute their duties with utmost dedication. He has specifically instructed officials to stay actively present on the ground and ensure the strategic deployment of PAC personnel at all sensitive locations.
Allocation of PAC Forces Across 45 Districts
The police headquarters has allocated additional PAC forces to 45 districts as well as specific GRP police stations to bolster local security grids. These forces will be effectively utilized to reinforce safety measures in vulnerable and densely populated zones. Major urban centers such as Lucknow, Aligarh, and Varanasi have each been assigned two full companies of the PAC. Meanwhile, single companies have been dispatched to Kanpur, Prayagraj, Meerut, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, and Muzaffarnagar. Additionally, one platoon each has been assigned to Agra and Saharanpur, while various other districts have received corresponding reinforcements based on their specific local requirements.
Surveillance Extending From Markets to Riverbanks
The additional PAC units will be deployed strategically across major commercial markets, prominent religious venues, community pandals, sacred riverbanks, public transit hubs, and other critical locations. Along with static deployment, regular foot patrols will be conducted in these crowded sectors to deter any mischievous elements. The primary objective behind this widespread deployment is to maintain a secure environment in high-footfall zones during the festive rush and guarantee the immediate availability of security personnel to handle any unforeseen contingencies.
Special Police Deployment in Ayodhya for Deepawali
In view of the grand celebrations planned for Deepawali-2026, extensive deployments of senior police officers and security personnel have been executed in Ayodhya. To manage the immense influx of pilgrims and visitors, authorities have posted seven Additional Superintendents of Police, 20 Circle Officers, and 27 Inspectors in the city. Furthermore, the deployment includes 70 Sub-Inspectors, 14 female Sub-Inspectors, 300 Head Constables and Constables, alongside 25 female Constables. Apart from the regular PAC units, specialized forces such as the Rapid Action Force, Anti-Terrorist Squad, National Security Guard, and State Disaster Response Force have also been placed on high alert in Ayodhya.
Enhanced Security Measures in Chitrakoot for Amavasya
Chitrakoot, a prominent religious destination, has also received additional security reinforcements in anticipation of the heavy footfall during Deepawali Amavasya. To ensure orderly crowds and smooth pilgrimage management, three companies of the PAC and two platoons of the flood rescue team have been stationed in the area. Furthermore, two Circle Officers, four traffic Sub-Inspectors, and 40 constabulary personnel have been assigned specific duties to regulate vehicular movement and prevent congestion. Additional specialized units including a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and a team of the State Disaster Response Force have also been positioned locally.
Cancellation of Leave for Police Personnel Until November 17
To prevent any gaps in security coverage throughout the festive period, the leaves of all police personnel have been formally cancelled. Director General of Police Rajiv Krishna issued a directive suspending all authorized leaves until November 17. However, exceptions can be made for personnel facing extreme emergencies, subject to explicit approval from the concerned supervisory authority. Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi आदित्यनाथ had also issued strict instructions to administrative and police officials to cancel all pending leaves of department personnel. Taken together, the deployment of additional PAC units, specialized security protocols in Ayodhya and Chitrakoot, and the cancellation of police leaves form an integral part of the comprehensive preparations undertaken to maintain absolute peace and order across the state during the festive season.
