All Set for Bhavani Deeksha Rituals in Vijayawada
City police commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu said a large influx of Bhavani devotees is expected from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states
VIJAYAWADA: Elaborate and foolproof security arrangements have been put in place at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada ahead of the Bhavani Deeksha Mala Viramana rituals scheduled from December 11 to 15.
City police commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu said a large influx of Bhavani devotees is expected from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states. To ensure safety, prevent untoward incidents and facilitate smooth darshan and movement, comprehensive bandobust arrangements have been made under his direct supervision.
The security plan has been divided into 12 components and 71 sectors, with 4,129 police officers and personnel from the NTR district police commissionerate and other districts being deployed. Duty will be carried out in two shifts, and accommodation has been arranged for personnel coming from outside districts.
A coordination and briefing meeting was held on Wednesday at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, where deputed officers were instructed on safety protocols, departmental guidelines and crowd-management measures. Drone footage was used to explain the Giripradakshina route, holding areas, bathing ghats, parking zones and other sensitive points.
Rajasekhar Babu directed officers to remain courteous and empathetic towards devotees arriving from long pilgrimages, ensuring no inconvenience and respecting religious sentiments. Sector officers were asked to closely monitor crowd flow, keep personnel alert and relay information promptly to senior officials. Special focus was placed on preventing traffic build-ups and ensuring smooth movement of both vehicles and pedestrians.
Security has been tightened at key locations including the sanctum surroundings, foothill areas, queue lines, Deeksha Viramana points, homa gundams, prasadam counters, Kanaka Durga Nagar, Vijayawada Railway Station and Pandit Nehru Bus Station. Special crime teams have been deployed to curb pickpocketing and chain-snatching.
Senior police officers, including DCPs Krishna Kanth Patel, B. Lakshminarayana and Shireen Begum, along with ADCPs, ACPs, inspectors and staff, took part in the briefing.
