800 cops, 330 CCTVs, one-way roads: Mandi admn makes elaborate arrangements for Mahashivratri Festival

Mandi: The Mandi police in Himachal Pradesh have completed all security preparations for the International Mahashivratri Festival, with the city being divided into six security sectors, each under the supervision of a senior police officer.

To ensure public safety and prevent incidents like thefts and robberies, 800 police personnel and Home Guard jawans will be deployed across the city.

Additionally, 330 CCTV cameras will be used for city surveillance. This includes 275 permanent cameras and 55 temporary ones installed specifically for the festival.

To manage traffic efficiently, several roads have been designated one-way.
At a press conference in Mandi, Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma detailed the security arrangements.

She said all entry points to the city would be closely monitored. The police have already implemented checkpoints throughout the city.

To manage the influx of vehicles, eight designated parking areas have been arranged, along with temporary bus stops.

These new arrangements will be in effect from February 26. Heavy vehicles will be strictly prohibited from entering the city during the festival, although emergency and ambulance services will be allowed unrestricted movement.

Sector-wise security arrangements
1. Sector 1: Paddal Ground, where deities will be stationed.
2. Sector 2: The area designated for the stay of the deities.
3. Sector 3: The city’s core areas, including Seri Manch.
4. Sector 4: From Khalyar to Bindravani and Malori Tunnel.
5. Sector 5: Chakker near Valley View Hotel, Pulgharat via Malori Tunnel and Guttkar, Pulgharat to Bhuli, Kangni helipad and the gurdwara area.
6. Sector 6: Seri Manch, where cultural programmes will be held at night.

Traffic diversions & one-way routes

The following roads will be one-way during the festival:
• Gandhi Chowk to Victoria Bridge via Chauhata Bazaar.
• New Suketi Bridge to ITI Chowk via Mahamrityunjay Temple.
• Old Suketi Bridge to Mahamrityunjay Temple via Hotel Pratap Palace.
• Old Suketi Bridge to Kainwal Chowk via Ram Nagar (Two- and three-wheelers are exempted).
• Victoria Bridge to Zero Chowk via Treasury Office.

Alternative routes have been designated for ambulances and emergency services.

Temporary bus stops for festival visitors

• Buses heading towards Balh and Sundernagar will stop near NH-21, close to the Old Suketi Bridge.
• Buses coming from Zonal Hospital-Mandi will stop at Sakodi Chowk, where municipal parking is available.
• Buses from Kotli will be rerouted via Talyard Bypass.
• Visitors from Tarna must enter the city via Sakodi Chowk.

Traffic restrictions for cultural parade & processions

• On February 28, during the Cultural Parade, all traffic in the Seri area will be completely halted for 1.5 hours in the evening.
• Six international artistes will be part of the parade.
• From midnight to 6 am, heavy vehicles (except buses) will not be allowed entry into the main city.
• On February 27, March 2 and March 5, traffic will be restricted or regulated as required during the Jaleb and Juloos (religious processions).

Munish Sood