Preparations for the auspicious festival of Lolark Chhat are underway in Varanasi, a city known for its vibrant cultural and religious traditions. Couples from various parts of the country travel to Kashi with prayers for child birth, taking a holy dip in the revered Lolark Kund located in the Assi area. To ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience, the local administration has put robust arrangements in place. Anticipating massive crowds for the first time on such a scale, authorities have installed barricading stretching over two kilometers.
Double Barricading and Shade From Bhadaini to Pandey Havel
Double barricading has been set up this year from the Lolark Kund in Bhadaini all the way to Pandey Haveli. Furthermore, keeping the weather conditions in mind, cloth sheds have been arranged above the barricading to protect devotees from the harsh sun. Separate entry and exit gates have also been established to ensure smooth movement and prevent overcrowding at any single point.
Deployment of Four Hundred Personnel for Enhanced Security
To maintain strict law and order, the administration has deployed 400 security personnel in the area. This force includes additional superintendents of police, inspectors, sub-inspectors, and female police officers. ADCP Vaibhav Bangar stated that alongside regular police personnel, PAC and paramilitary forces will also be deployed. Given the large turnout of female devotees, women police personnel will be stationed at every critical point. The security personnel will take up their positions starting the evening of September 16.
Expected Turnout of Over Five Lakh Devotees
The ritualistic bathing will commence at midnight and continue throughout the day on September 17. It is estimated that more than five lakh devotees will take a holy dip in the Lolark Kund during the festival. In addition to police deployment, NDRF and water police teams will be stationed at the kund. Vehicular movement will be completely restricted on the Assi, Shivala, and Sonarpura routes, and police will maintain a strict vigil on all connecting roads in the vicinity.
Surveillance via Drones and Command Centers
The areas surrounding the kund and high-density zones will be monitored continuously using drone cameras. Additionally, personnel stationed at the command center will keep a close eye on every activity to effectively manage any potential emergency situation.
