Varanasi: With preparations underway to manage crowds during the ongoing Navratri festivities, police have intensified efforts to implement a comprehensive crowd management plan for the proposed IAF air show, which is expected to draw up to 20 lakh people each day. Measures include setting up 79 temporary police stations, creating designated viewing zones, deploying barricades, preparing four traffic plans, identifying parking areas and establishing three green corridors to ensure uninterrupted ambulance movement to hospitals.While Varanasi police commissioner Mohit Agrawal is leading the arrangements within Varanasi, security arrangements in the trans-Ganga districts of Chandauli, Ghazipur and other adjoining areas are being reviewed by DIG Range Vaibhav Krishna.In Varanasi, Agrawal reviewed progress in implementing plans finalised for security, traffic, crowd management and public convenience for the air show scheduled for Oct 22, 24 and 25. He directed field personnel to ensure a disciplined, courteous and citizen-friendly experience for spectators.In view of the expected massive turnout, 79 temporary police stations are being set up across Varanasi, including 48 in city areas and 31 along the ghats. Each temporary station will have one sub-inspector and four constables. Personnel have been instructed to remain mobile in their assigned areas, monitor rooftops, manage parking, guide visitors and ensure smooth movement near viewing zones.Special viewing arrangements are being developed in 10 blocks along a nearly two-kilometre stretch from Saraimohan Ghat beside the Varuna river to Khaki Kuti Baba Mandir Ghat, away from Namo Ghat. Additional sites with better visibility are also being prepared in the Dumri area.The CP directed daily reviews of preparations, physical verification of barricading at the ghats and strict attention to emergency exits. Weak or dilapidated buildings near the show area will be identified, and owners will be advised not to allow overcrowding on rooftops. Double barricading will be used where required, and spectator enclosures will be limited to 3,000 square metres for better crowd control.Four traffic plans have been prepared for different crowd and vehicle-pressure situations, covering internal and external diversions, barriers and alternative routes. Separate zone-wise parking and entry plans will guide visitors arriving from Varanasi city and other districts.Three green corridors will ensure uninterrupted ambulance movement to hospitals, including IMS-BHU, Trauma Centre BHU, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Shiv Prasad Gupta Hospital and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hospital. NCC cadets, volunteers and women police personnel will assist with crowd management, while all staff have been instructed to address citizens respectfully as “Sir” and “Madam” and act on wireless inputs.Box: DIG Vaibhav Krishna Reviews Security in ChandauliFor crowd and traffic management during the IAF event, DIG Varanasi Range Vaibhav Krishna has been frequently visiting Chandauli to ensure all necessary preparations are completed for the three-day event. Along with Chandauli SP Akash Patel, he held a series of meetings with officials on Friday and Saturday at SRVS College, Pachfedwa, to review security arrangements, traffic management and deployment plans.He also inspected Pachfedwa, Chakia Tiraha, Padao, Padao crossing, key approach roads and ghat areas, issuing instructions on traffic regulation and crowd control. He said citizens must face no inconvenience and all police personnel must report for duty on time. The DIG directed officials to ensure smooth and safe movement of spectators, effective use of designated parking areas, alertness at duty points and prompt responses during emergencies. He stressed coordination among officers and strict adherence to assigned responsibilities.
