Over 24,000 policemen will be on duty during the Krishna Pushkaram scheduled to be held from August 12, DGP (in-charge) N. Sambasiva Rao said.
Speaking here on Wednesday, he said men will be drawn from various units, all reserve battalions and from different districts to build up the force and they will be given orientation to handle the rush of the pilgrimage.
Apart from the men, technology such as CC TV, not specifying the numbers, and mobile Apps will also be put to use. “We will be shortly focussing on an awareness campaign, highlighting each and every aspect such as the number and location of the ghats, satellite bus stations, parking lots and other necessary things. Lack of awareness of basic things has been the major cause for mishaps in the past, and this time will be taking care of them,” he said.
Having learnt from previous experience, will be sending alerts through mobile SMSes, media and even will distribute pamphlets with all the details. The final drafts are being worked out, he added. Mr. Sambasiva Rao, was here to review the law and order situation, keeping in mind the upcoming Maoist Martyrs Week celebration from Thursday, in the three districts of Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, and this was his first visit after taking charge as DGP.
‘Maoists problem
under control’
The DGP also made an aerial survey of the Agency areas, especially the Maoist hotbeds.
On the Maoist issue, he said there was considerable decline of the Maoist movement and it was not the only problem for the police force.
“Left-wing extremism is a problem, but it is not the only problem that we have on hand. Local level crime, road accidents and religious terrorism are also on our priority list,” he said.
He was critical of the Maoists destroying public property such as cell towers and coffee godowns and said it will not be tolerated and security presence will be enhanced to curb such disturbances.
