Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut has directed garba organisers to immediately report fake passes, whether printed or circulated on social media.
Police will register FIRs in such cases during Navratri, which begins on Sunday.At a meeting with organisers and police officials on Friday, Gahlaut outlined security arrangements involving nearly 14,000 police personnel and security staff. More than 300 officers, including inspectors and senior officials, will remain on the streets until around 3 am to ensure revellers return home safely.
Organisers have been instructed not to issue passes beyond the capacity declared in their permission applications. AI-supported CCTV cameras will monitor crowd movement and attendance at major garba venues.“The moment we detect more revellers at the venue, we will ask the garba organiser to stop for a few minutes so that the crowd can be managed,” Gahlaut said.
SHE Teams, CCTV Cameras for Women’s SafetyAround 300 SHE Teams will be deployed inside garba venues and across the city, in uniform and plain clothes, to prevent harassment and ensure women’s safety. The teams will also visit schools and colleges organising garba events to spread awareness.
Around 4,000 CCTV cameras will be connected to the police control room. An additional 49 SHE Teams equipped with dedicated vehicles will patrol sensitive areas. Every police station will also receive an Abhayam vehicle for emergency response, while 129 Police Control Room (PCR) vans will remain on duty.
Traffic, Cybercrime and Civic ArrangementsSenior traffic police officers will manage major junctions, particularly along SG Highway, where heavy crowds are expected. Revellers have been advised to park their vehicles in well-lit areas and avoid isolated locations.
The cybercrime cell will monitor objectionable, derogatory and inflammatory social media posts that could disturb communal harmony. Gahlaut warned that strict action would be taken against those spreading hatred online.
Police have also coordinated with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to improve lighting in poorly illuminated areas, repair damaged roads and open roads to reduce congestion around garba venues.Meanwhile, SHE Teams have held meetings with garba classes, neighbourhood groups and organisers to promote safety awareness and encourage cooperation during the festival.