Celebrate Upcoming Festivals Peacefully While Maintaining Law and Order – Minister Aditi Tatkare

Raigad : Minister for Women and Child Development, Aditi Tatkare, has urged citizens to celebrate Shri Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, Gudi Padwa, and Ramzan Eid in a harmonious atmosphere while strictly adhering to law and order. She emphasized the need for cooperation with the district administration and the police to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration. She also cautioned against spreading any content on social media that could disturb social harmony, warning that the district police would be closely monitoring online activities during this period.

A peace committee meeting was organized at the Planning Hall of the Raigad District Administration in preparation for these upcoming festivals. Minister Tatkare addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to maintain law and order.

Strict Monitoring of Social Media

To prevent any disturbances during the festive period, the Raigad Cyber Cell will keep a 24-hour watch on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter. Any attempts to spread misinformation or incite communal tension will face immediate legal action. The police have been directed to use advanced technology to track and analyze social media activity and to take swift action against provocative posts. She also advised that police should provide event organizers with a copy of the official guidelines for conducting processions and celebrations.

Traffic and Emergency Preparations

Given the increase in tourists during the holidays, the district administration has planned measures to ease traffic congestion, including bypass roads and alternative routes. Minister Tatkare also directed that ambulances and fire brigade vehicles be kept on standby. Additionally, halogen lights should be installed along dark procession routes, and uninterrupted power supply should be ensured.

Extensive Security Arrangements

Raigad Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge outlined the comprehensive security measures in place:

• Special Anti-Terrorism Teams, Social Media Surveillance Squads, RCP Platoons, and QRT Platoons have been deployed.
• A total of 1,227 preventive actions and riot control drills have been conducted across various locations.

Festival-Specific Security Measures

• Gudi Padwa: 22 grand processions, 2 rallies, and 1 bike rally are planned.
• Ramzan Eid: Over 50,000–60,000 people are expected at 232 mosques, 21 dargahs, and 19 madrasas.
• Shri Ram Navami: 150 temples, 133 processions, and 17 other events will take place.
• Hanuman Jayanti: 511 temples, 289 processions, 27 fairs, and 16 other events are scheduled.
• Mahavir Jayanti: 28 temples, 20 processions, and 2 other programs will be held.
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti: 94 processions, 76 statue-puja ceremonies, and 263 image-puja events will be conducted.

SP Gharge assured that CCTV surveillance, special riot control units, and necessary security forces have been deployed to ensure peaceful celebrations.

Administrative Commitment

District Collector Kishan Jawale assured full support from the administration, stating that efforts are being made to manage traffic and ensure adequate water supply in tanker-served villages. Additionally, drones will be used for aerial monitoring throughout the celebrations.

During the meeting, members of the peace committee and journalists raised concerns regarding traffic congestion, power supply, water availability, and the spread of misinformation on social media. The district administration assured them that immediate corrective measures would be taken.

The meeting concluded with Additional Superintendent of Police Abhijit Shivthare expressing gratitude to all attendees.