Move Aims to Enforce 30-Point Safety and Security Guidelines
With Navratri just a week away, city police are tightening security measures around Garba events. So far, 49 applications have been received from organisers, but none have been approved yet.Each application is currently under review, with local police stations conducting spot verifications.
In a new development, the police are now requiring organisers to submit affidavits confirming their compliance with 30 prescribed safety and security norms.“This step ensures accountability. Organisers will be held responsible if any untoward incidents occur,” a senior police official stated.
Surge in Crime Spurs Stricter Measures
Police Commissioner GS Malik is expected to issue additional directives ahead of the city crime conference on Tuesday at the new CP office in Shahibaug. This comes in response to a recent spike in violent crimes, including two murders reported within three days. Night patrolling is also set to be ramped up to deter potential miscreants during the festive season.
Traffic Management a Key Concern
Managing traffic near popular Garba venues is emerging as a significant challenge. Despite manpower constraints, the traffic department is working with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to identify roads under construction or repair for effective diversions.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), NN Chaudhari, highlighted several congestion-prone areas: Vaishnavdevi Circle, SP Ring Road stretches within city limits, Shela, Vakil Saheb Bridge, Karnavati Crossroads, Rajpath-Rangoli Road, Sindhu Bhavan Road, and Vadaj Circle.
“To manage the expected rush, we’ll deploy teams of 30 traffic personnel, TRB jawans, and home guards at each hotspot. Interceptors and speed guns will be used to check over-speeding, especially on SG Highway and SP Ring Road,” said Chaudhari. Special efforts will also be made to control late-night racing, particularly on Sindhu Bhavan Road, with additional coordination from district police.
Daily Monitoring of Parking and Safety
Garba organisers are required to make adequate parking arrangements, failing which their permissions may be revoked during the festival itself. SHE Teams stationed at each venue will file daily reports assessing both safety and parking conditions.
Senior police officials emphasized that the priority is to ensure a secure and hassle-free Garba experience. “Our enforcement teams, including PCR vans, will be on-ground throughout the festivities. We want revellers to enjoy Navratri without concerns over traffic chaos or safety,” an official added.