Mysuru is preparing for its grand Dasara festivities, running from September 22 to October 2, with a comprehensive security plan. The city is set to implement elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and smooth experience of all attendees.
During a recent press conference, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar detailed the extensive measures being put in place. She emphasized that the primary goal is not only to maintain law and order and prevent any incidents across the numerous Dasara venues but also to facilitate effortless traffic flow throughout the city and surrounding areas.
The security operation will unfold in two distinct phases: the first from September 22 to 29, followed by the second phase from September 30 to October 2. This monumental effort will involve the deployment of 6,384 civil and traffic police personnel, along with significant support from 35 platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), 15 platoons from the City Armed Reserve (CAR) and District Armed Reserve (DAR). Additionally, specialized units like the Garuda force, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and a 29-member Anti Sabotage Check (ASC) team will be on hand. To further bolster these teams, 1,200 Home Guards will also be assigned to various Dasara event locations.
These security protocols will encompass all major Dasara events, including the grand inaugural ceremony at Chamundi Hills, vibrant cultural programs throughout Mysuru, the bustling Dasara Exhibition, exciting wrestling competitions, the captivating Flower Show, delicious Food Mela, informative Book Fair, mesmerizing Illumination displays, energetic Yuva Dasara, the thrilling Air Show, the iconic Jumbo Savari, and the spectacular Torch Light parade at Bannimantap grounds.
Public safety is a top priority, with 26 ambulances and 32 fire tenders, complete with their dedicated teams, strategically stationed at key venues. This includes the Mysuru Palace premises on the day of the Jumbo Savari, near the palace gates, along the main procession route, and at Bannimantap grounds during the Torch Light parade.
To manage the expected heavy traffic, 43 public address systems, operated by traffic police personnel, will be set up at all major city junctions and popular tourist spots from September 22 to October 1. On October 2, the day of the Jumbo Savari, 33 such systems, manned by civil police, will specifically guide traffic near the Mysuru Palace gates and along the entire Dasara procession route.
To assist both locals and tourists, 12 dedicated help desks will be established across the city. These will be located at prominent points such as Babu Jagjivan Ram Circle (near City Railway station), Varaha Gate of Mysuru Palace, K.R. Circle, St. Philomena’s Church, Suburban Bus Stand, Gandhi Square, Mysuru Zoo, the main entrance of the Dasara Exhibition, Manipal Hospital Junction, Nanjangud Road-Ring Road junction, Deve Gowda Circle, and Hootagalli junction on Hunsur Road.
Personnel at these help desks will provide essential information regarding Dasara programs, one-way traffic regulations, and parking facilities. For more serious concerns or complaints, the public will be directed to the appropriate jurisdictional police station, as confirmed by the Police Commissioner.
In a proactive move, the police have also released a comprehensive booklet, offering guidelines to the general public on maintaining their personal safety and security during the festival.
Deputy Commissioners of Police K.S. Sundar Raj and Bindu Mani were also present, highlighting the collaborative effort behind these arrangements.