Respect for public faith, but anarchy is unacceptable: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

● Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, held a meeting with senior government officials and top officers from district, range, zone, and division levels. He issued key directives to ensure the peaceful organization of upcoming festivals, including Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Ramzan, Navroz, Chaitra Navratri, and Ram Navami.

● Currently, we are all engaged in the grand event of Prayagraj Mahakumbh, which will conclude on Mahashivratri, February 26. Following this, based on Chandra Darshan, the holy month of Ramzan will begin on March 1 or 2. Holika Dahan is set for March 13, followed by the Holi festival on March 14. Additionally, several significant festivals, including Navroz, Chaitra Navratri, Ram Navami, and Eid-ul-Fitr, will be observed on March 30 or 31. During this period, processions, fairs, and various celebrations will take place across different locations. Given the festive spirit and large gatherings, maintaining law and order remains a crucial priority.

● March 14 is a Friday. Therefore, we have to be especially vigilant and cautious. In the last 08 years, festivals of all religions and communities have been organized in the state in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. This has to be maintained in the future as well.

● The final bathing festival of Mahakumbh will take place on Mahashivratri, drawing a large number of devotees to Prayagraj. In light of this, the traffic and route plan for the occasion must be implemented effectively. Vehicles should not be parked on the roads to ensure smooth movement. Additionally, measures should be taken to minimize the walking distance for devotees heading to the Sangam for the holy bath.

● It must be ensured that devotees eager for the Sangam bath do so only in designated safe areas. No one should be allowed to venture into deep or fast-flowing waters. Checkered plates and pontoon bridges should be re-inspected to ensure their safety. There should be no room for error at any level. The ADG Zone and Divisional Commissioner of Prayagraj must ensure seamless coordination between the Mahakumbh Mela administration, Prayagraj administration, and neighboring district authorities.

● Daily wage workers play a crucial role in the success of Mahakumbh. Therefore, their honorarium should be paid without delay. No payments should remain pending. If an outsourcing agency is causing delays, immediate discussions should be held to ensure timely disbursement. Additionally, the payment process for these workers should be reviewed at the government level to ensure accountability.

● On Mahashivratri, an estimated 15 to 25 lakh devotees are expected to visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi for darshan and puja, making it an unprecedented event. Ensuring the safety and convenience of every devotee is our top priority, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated. The local administration must implement a well-structured action plan tailored to the specific needs of the region.

● This Mahashivratri, a grand procession of revered Akharas will also take place at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Coordination with the revered saints of the Akharas is essential to ensure that both common devotees and Akhara members can have a seamless darshan experience. A well-structured plan must be devised and implemented, covering the movement routes, traffic arrangements, train schedules, and crowd management to facilitate smooth and organized proceedings.

● On Mahashivratri, multiple processions will take place in Shri Ayodhya Dham, drawing a large number of devotees to Nageshwarnath Dham and Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Temple. Similarly, Mahadeva in Barabanki will witness a significant influx of worshippers. A well-structured crowd management plan must be implemented to ensure smooth and orderly proceedings. Coordination with the railways is essential to facilitate the seamless movement of trains. Special attention should be given to barricading and parking arrangements to maintain order and convenience for all.

● Apart from Dudheshwarnath Temple in Ghaziabad, Aughadnath Temple in Meerut, and Pura Mahadev Temple in Baghpat, a large number of devotees will gather at Shivalayas across all districts of the state. The influx of Kanwar devotees will also be significant. A comprehensive action plan must be implemented to ensure temple cleanliness, proper lighting, well-maintained roads leading to the temples, organized parking, and smooth traffic diversion. Additionally, adequate police deployment should be ensured for security and crowd management.

● The government and administration must ensure all necessary facilities during festivals while upholding religious traditions and faith. However, any form of anarchy will not be tolerated. Vigilance should be maintained to monitor suspicious individuals, and no new events contrary to established traditions should be permitted.

● Holika Dahan will take place on March 13, followed by Friday prayers and the Holi festival the next day. This period is sensitive from a law and order perspective. There is a possibility that mischievous elements may attempt to provoke tensions between communities. Strict vigilance must be maintained to prevent any such incidents. Sensitive areas should be identified, and additional police forces deployed. Foot patrolling by the police is essential, and PRV 112 must remain active. Special attention should also be given to monitoring social media for any inflammatory content.

● A clean environment enhances the joy of festivals. Therefore, cleanliness must be ensured in both rural and urban areas during the festive season. Special attention must be given to cleaning the designated routes before any traditional processions. There should be no presence of garbage or dirt anywhere.
Additionally, extra vigilance is required to ensure the safety of women and girls during the celebrations.

● Quick action and effective communication are crucial in managing any unpleasant incidents. Therefore, upon receiving information about such an occurrence, the District Magistrate and Police Captain must reach the spot without delay. In sensitive cases, senior officers should take the lead to ensure swift resolution. Additionally, the sector scheme should be implemented for better coordination and control.

● Beggars around religious places should be employed. Verify e-rickshaw drivers in all districts.

Find a permanent solution to the problem of street dogs.

● Illegal intruders and Rohingyas should be identified and appropriate action taken. Street vendors must not be allowed to obstruct traffic or cause road congestion. Any illegal taxi stands should be removed immediately to ensure that roads remain clear for vehicular movement. Responsibility for enforcing these measures should be fixed at the police station level to ensure strict compliance.

● The Board exams of the Secondary Education Council have begun, and it is essential to maintain their integrity. Strict measures must be implemented to ensure a completely fair and cheating-free examination process across the entire state.

● Complaints are being received from multiple areas regarding the use of illegal loudspeakers at religious places. Immediate action must be taken to address this issue. The sound from loudspeakers should not extend beyond the premises of religious sites. If violations occur, issue a notice and coordinate for their removal. If non-compliance continues, take strict action as per the rules.