Nagpur deploys about 5,000 police for Dhammachakra Pravartan Din and Dussehra

Nagpur Police have made extensive security arrangements for Dhammachakra Pravartan Din and Vijayadashami. About 5,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order.

The main centre of the Dhammachakra Pravartan Din celebrations is Deekshabhoomi, where thousands of followers are expected. Security has also been tightened at the Dragon Palace in Kamptee, Samvidhan Chowk and the Nagloke area.

More than 1,500 police officers and personnel will be posted at and around Deekshabhoomi. They include 71 officers: two Deputy Commissioners of Police, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, 20 police inspectors and 40 assistant and sub-inspectors. A contingent of the State Reserve Police Force will also be in the area.

CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations such as Laxmi Nagar Chowk, Bajaj Nagar Chowk, Kachipura and Mata Kacheri Chowk. Police will keep watch on the surrounding roads and use drones to monitor crowds and suspicious activity.

If the number of visitors exceeds the capacity of the premises, police may ask followers to wait briefly at designated squares. They will be allowed to move ahead once the crowd inside Deekshabhoomi thins out.

About 500 police personnel will be stationed at the Dragon Palace in Kamptee, another major site where Buddhist followers are expected.

Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil has directed officers to remain alert throughout the festival. As a precaution, police have also begun checking known criminals.

On Dussehra, Ravan Dahan events are scheduled at 64 places in Nagpur. The main venues include Kasturchand Park, Tiranga Chowk, Nandanvan, Darshan Colony, Chopde Lawn, Manish Nagar, Manewada and Reshimbagh. Events will also be held in the areas under Wadi and Pardi police stations.

For those coming to Deekshabhoomi, parking has been arranged at Dharampeth Science College, Rani Laxmibai Hall, the Dharampeth College ground, the Bajaj Nagar volleyball ground, LAD College and the Laxmi Nagar zonal office.

Traffic has been diverted around Deekshabhoomi to manage the crowds. Where the diversions apply, passersby and local residents may need to obtain a vehicle pass from the traffic police. People are advised to plan their travel accordingly and follow the traffic police's instructions during the festival.