Gandhinagar, Sep 11 (PTI) Gujarat Police have stepped up security across the state for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival which starts next week, an official release said on Friday.
Director General of Police G S Malik chaired a meeting via video link with police commissioners, range chiefs and district police chiefs to review the security and law-and-order arrangements, it said.
Police officials were directed to take preventive measures to avoid any untoward incident during the festival from the installation of Ganesh idols to immersion.
Special police forces will be deployed in sensitive areas during idol installation and immersion, while arrangements will be made for crowd management, traffic diversions and round-the-clock patrolling, it said.
Police have also been instructed to hold meetings with local peace committees and Ganesh mandal organisers to ensure cooperation and maintain communal harmony.
CCTV cameras and drones will be used for continuous surveillance of key areas and procession routes, the release said.
Strict legal action will be taken against anti-social elements who spread rumours on social media or attempt to disturb peace, it said.
Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads, along with tear gas and riot-control equipment, will remain on standby.
The police appealed to citizens to cooperate with the authorities in maintaining peace and law and order during the festival, the release added. PTI KVM KRK
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