As the countdown to Ram Navami ticks away, Ayodhya braces itself for an influx of devotees, surpassing even the crowds witnessed during the pran pratistha ceremony in January. Police personnel stationed in Ayodhya for the upcoming Ram Navami celebrations, slated to commence from midnight on April 16, are gearing up for round-the-clock shifts. Chief Secretary D.S. Mishra revealed that the government anticipates approximately 2.5 million devotees flocking to the sacred city. In preparation, the Health Department has been instructed to station ambulances strategically across key areas, with hospitals placed on high alert. Additionally, makeshift health centers, fully stocked with essential medicines and amenities, have been established at 12 locations.
In efforts to manage the expected crowds and enhance devotee convenience, large LED screens will be erected in Ayodhya, as well as in designated holding and parking zones, streaming live footage from the temple's inner sanctum. Security personnel will maintain a constant presence within the temple premises and the Mela area, operating on a 24/7 basis. Continuous CCTV surveillance will cover the entire vicinity, aiding in monitoring devotee movement, managing traffic, and assessing crowd density, as outlined by the chief secretary.
Furthermore, Ayodhya has implemented 24 automatic number-plate recognition cameras throughout the city, with additional cameras installed at the borders of Ambedkar Nagar, Sultanpur, and Barabanki districts. These cameras will facilitate the monitoring of incoming visitors, ensuring comprehensive crowd management measures are in place for the anticipated surge in pilgrim footfall.
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