Policemen to address spectators as ‘Sir’ and ‘Madam’ at ‘Wings Over Ganga’ in Varanasi
Varanasi, October 21: The Yogi Adityanath government has completed full preparations for the grand air show “Wings Over Ganga” in Varanasi, scheduled for October 22, 24, and 25, where 1.5 to 2 million spectators are expected to witness the Indian Army and Air Force display valor and strategic capabilities, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, senior military officers, and dignitaries attending the finale on October 25, while Uttar Pradesh Police has readied a comprehensive plan for traffic, crowd control, security, and safe transport of visitors to and from the ghats.
The Varanasi Commissioner of Police Mohit Agarwal stated that temporary police stations have been established and police deployments have been increased to ensure security for the air show, which begins Thursday. In addition to the police, teams including the PAC, NDRF, SDRF, bomb disposal squad, and ATS will be deployed. Police personnel have been deployed to direct spectators arriving from railway stations, bus stands, airports, and other major routes to the venue. To maintain smooth traffic, 79 temporary police stations have been established and 11,900 police personnel have been deployed.
Policemen will address spectators as “Sir” and “Madam.”
The Police Commissioner stated that police personnel have been trained in soft skills to ensure courteous and cooperative behavior with spectators during the air show. Trained police personnel will politely assist spectators without touching them and provide necessary guidance. Zones, sectors, and sub-sectors have been created at the ghats and in the city area to ensure effective crowd management and security.
In view of the expected crowds and traffic congestion, four separate traffic plans have been developed. The traffic system has been divided into internal and external sections. Separate diversions, barriers, and alternative routes have been established for both areas. The traffic plan will be implemented according to the circumstances. Adequate police personnel will be deployed at the bus stand and railway station, along with a diversion plan.
For the convenience of visitors, the ghats have been divided into different zones. Parking areas and entry routes have been designated for each zone. Visitors arriving from the city will be directed to designated parking and viewing areas on this side of the Ganga, while parking and transportation arrangements will be made for those arriving from outside districts in the Ramnagar-Padav area. Police personnel deployed at major routes, parking areas, and entry points will provide directions to visitors to avoid traffic jams and unnecessary crowds.
Varanasi Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr N.P. Singh stated that three green corridors will be established to transport patients and emergency responders to hospitals amid the air show’s traffic congestion. Major government and private hospitals, including Sir Sunderlal Hospital, BHU Trauma Center, Shiv Prasad Gupta Divisional Hospital, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hospital, have been identified. Alternative routes have also been established for crowd evacuation, VIP movement, and emergency response. Eight temporary hospitals and 100 ambulances have been arranged along the green corridors.
Separate single-lane entry and exit routes have been created at the Ganga ghats. To control crowds, double barricading has been installed, and CCTV cameras have been installed at all ghats to enable prompt action in case of suspicious activity or crowd surges. Watch towers have been constructed. For security and crowd control, the Ganga ghats, major city roads, bus stands, and railway stations have been connected to public address (PA) systems. Door frame metal detectors and handheld metal detectors will be installed at the entry points to the ghats. Double barricading has been installed along the approximately 5.5-5.5 kilometer stretch from Dumri to Satti Ghat and from Adi Keshav to Dashashwamedh Ghat. Signage has been installed throughout the city, from Namo Ghat to Samne Ghat, and on the main connecting roads and streets to the ghats, ensuring easy access for visitors from outside districts. Security forces, anti-drone systems, ATVs, and a cyber security team will be deployed along 25 watchtowers and the river.
For safety on the Ganga, private boat operations will be prohibited from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the air show. NDRF, SDRF, PAC flood relief companies, and water police have been deployed at the ghats and riverbanks. Local divers are also on standby for rescue operations. Two water ambulances have been arranged at the ghats. Drinking water, toilets, and other public amenities will be available in parking lots and crowded areas.
Drone flying ban
Given the sensitivity of the air show, legal action will be taken against unauthorized drone operations. Drone flying will be prohibited within a five-kilometer radius of the Ganga ghats on both sides. Suspicious flying activities within the restricted area will be closely monitored.
