Wardha Police Deploy Over 2,000 Personnel for Navratri; Laser Lights and Noise Curbed

Wardha Police have made large-scale preparations to maintain law and order in the district for Navratri 2026. The aim is for the festival to pass in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and peace, with effective control over noise pollution and no use of laser lights. Police said Navratri is a festival of social unity, devotion and cultural tradition, and that preventive measures as well as modern technology are being used to keep it safe and disciplined.

To curb noise pollution, the Superintendent of Police, Wardha, has issued orders under Sections 36 and 38(1) of the Maharashtra Police Act. The District Magistrate, Wardha, has also issued orders against noise pollution under Section 163 of the BNSS. These orders have been widely publicised. Strict adherence has been sought to the noise limits set by the Supreme Court, the High Court and the government for loudspeakers, amplifiers and other sound-producing equipment. Actual readings have already been taken with a noise level meter in silence zones within the limits of every police station in the district, so that rising noise or violations can be monitored during the festival. Those who cross the limits will face strict action under the law, with particular care taken that the celebrations do not affect the right of others to peace and health.

The District Magistrate, Wardha, has issued orders banning laser lights under Section 163 of the BNSS. Laser lights used in processions and other events can endanger the eyes of the public, the elderly, children and especially vehicle drivers. Police have been given the necessary instructions to enforce the order, and violators will face strict action.

For coordination, Wardha Police have held several meetings with organising committees, loudspeaker operators and owners, the peace committee and citizens. These gave guidance on the rules to be followed during the festival, noise limits, discipline in processions, traffic arrangements, and law and order. The meetings also made clear that if rules are broken, strict action will be taken under the applicable laws against the person concerned, the organiser, the DJ operator or owner, or the responsible person.

To be able to respond immediately to any disturbance, a mock drill of the riot control plan was held within the limits of every police station. Police officers and constables were trained in quick response, crowd control, protection of sensitive places and maintaining law and order. Route marches were also held in sensitive and important areas of the district. A clear message was given that no attempt to disturb law and order will be tolerated.

For social media monitoring, a 24x7 Social Media Monitoring Cell will run at the Cyber Police Station, Wardha, throughout the festival. Close watch will be kept on those who try to disturb the peace by posting rumour-mongering or tension-inducing posts, videos and messages. The Superintendent of Police, Wardha, has appealed to people not to believe or forward any rumour. If they see suspicious or objectionable information, they should inform the police immediately instead of making it go viral.

More than 2,000 police personnel will be deployed for security. This includes 114 police officers, 1,200 police constables, 2 riot control squads, 1 quick response team, 1,000 home guards and 2 SRPF companies. Additional deployment will be made as needed at the district's Durga mandals, procession routes, sensitive and crowded places and key intersections.

Police will give full cooperation to Durga mandals and citizens in celebrating the festival. However, violation of law, violation of the prescribed noise limits, use of banned laser lights, acts that disturb public peace, acts that spoil social harmony, or violation of the election Model Code of Conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

This year, Wardha District Police have organised the "Navdurga Samman-2026" award competition at police station level to promote social awareness, women's empowerment and community service programmes through Navratri. It covers the Damini Pathak and information on government schemes for women, Nari Shakti and social awareness, girl and women pride, women's leadership and participation in decision-making, women's economic self-reliance, entrepreneurship and government schemes, girls' education, career and leadership development, social commitment and community service programmes, environmental protection and cleanliness, safe festival management and coordination with police, innovation and overall organisation, and programmes held under the "Save Water" theme. Durga mandals that do the best work in these areas will be honoured with awards at police station and district level, the Superintendent of Police, Wardha, said. All mandals have been asked to cooperate with the police administration. In view of drought-like conditions in the state this year, the Superintendent of Police has asked Durga mandals to adopt the "Save Water" theme and spread awareness about saving water and water conservation.

Superintendent of Police, Wardha, Saurabh Kumar Agrawal has appealed to the citizens of Wardha district to celebrate the festival with full enthusiasm, but in peace, with discipline and in compliance with the law. Durga mandals should strictly follow noise limits, procession rules, the election Model Code of Conduct, traffic arrangements and all administration directions. They should not use banned laser lights. They should not trust social media rumours and objectionable messages or spread them further. Any disturbance should be reported to police immediately. He said Wardha Police are ready to serve 24 hours a day.