Intensified Security Measures Ahead of Radha Asthami Festivities in Mathura

Officials in Barsana town, Mathura, are amplifying security ahead of the Radha Asthami festival. The town has been divided into sectors and zones with top-level officers in charge, aiming for a secure celebration. Extensive measures include surveillance with CCTV and drones, and the presence of police and plainclothes officers.

Security has been tightened in Barsana town, Mathura, as Radha Asthami festival celebrations approach, officials announced.

Authorities have divided Barsana into seven zones and 16 sectors with senior officers managing zones and SDM-level officers supervising sectors, District Magistrate Shailendra Singh stated. Efforts are being made to facilitate a seamless 'darshan' for the several lakh pilgrims arriving to pay homage to the deity in Ladli temple.

Additional District Magistrate Yoganand Pandey has been assigned as the mela officer, while SP rural Trigun Bishen is overseeing security for the fair. A significant deployment of personnel, including seven additional SPs, 34 circle officers, and over 2,000 constabulary staff, is in place. Women constables in plain clothes are positioned within the temple to thwart petty crimes such as chain snatching and theft.

Officials have installed 52 CCTVs and drone cameras to monitor anti-social activities and have placed barbed fencing around three major ponds to prevent drownings. They have also designated 48 parking points and 86 barriers to control pilgrim flow. The Radha Asthami main function begins early Wednesday with a series of traditional rituals, concluding with a grand procession and special offerings for the deity.

(With inputs from agencies.)