Hyderabad: City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar and GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan directed officials to ensure peaceful and grand conduct of the Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra with extensive security and coordination measures.
The directions were issued during a coordination meeting held at Draupadi Gardens in Sitaram Bagh on Monday. Senior officials reviewed arrangements, security measures, and crowd management plans.
Sajjanar said the Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra, which began in 2010, gained national recognition in a short time. He urged devotees to celebrate the event with discipline and devotion along the route from Sitaram Bagh to Hanuman Vyayamshala.
Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra security tightened with surveillance
Police planned deployment of around 3,000 personnel for bandobast. Authorities arranged CCTV cameras and drone surveillance at multiple points.
Officials said crime teams would remain alert to prevent incidents such as chain snatching. In addition, She Teams would monitor safety of women participants.
Sajjanar recalled that vehicle breakdowns slowed the procession last year. Therefore, officials initiated preventive measures to avoid similar disruptions this time.
He advised organisers to begin the procession by 1 pm. He also asked them to conduct trial runs to avoid congestion in narrow stretches.
Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra guidelines issued for organisers
Police directed organisers to avoid loud DJs and instead use standard sound systems to reduce noise pollution. They also asked participants to ensure that songs and speeches did not hurt sentiments of any group.
Officials made it clear that private drone usage would require police permission.
GHMC Commissioner Karnan said authorities completed road repairs and street lighting arrangements. He also advised organisers to ensure vehicle height compliance during the procession.
Organisers, including Bhagavanth Rao, Govind Rathi, Anand Singh, Krishna, Shashikala, and Lal Singh, raised concerns during the meeting. Officials assured that all issues would be addressed.
Later, the Commissioners inspected the procession route to review preparedness.
Senior officials, including Additional CP Tafseer Iqbal, Joint CPs Joel Davis and N. Swetha, and Zonal Commissioner Mukunda Reddy, attended the meeting.