Special DGP Arpit Shukla Reviews Security Arrangements Ahead of Hola Mohalla

In preparation for the upcoming three-day Hola Mohalla festival at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla reviewed security arrangements on Thursday to ensure the event is conducted safely and smoothly, following the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The annual Sikh festival will be celebrated from March 2 to March 4, 2026, attracting lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad to pay homage at the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth. During a coordination meeting with DIG Rupnagar Range Nanak Singh and SSP Rupnagar Maninder Singh, Special DGP Arpit Shukla emphasized that foolproof arrangements must be in place to facilitate pilgrims and ensure their safety throughout the event. The festival area has been systematically divided into 12 sectors, and approximately 5,000 police personnel have been deployed for crowd control and security. For aerial monitoring and crowd surveillance, six drones have been deployed, with their live feeds being monitored at a central control room. Addressing all sector in-charges and police personnel, the Special DGP instructed officers to maintain a humble and courteous approach towards the pilgrims while performing their duties with dedication and vigilance to ensure a successful festival. Highlighting new security measures, he stated that the Rupnagar Police have implemented several initiatives to guarantee the peaceful and orderly conduct of Hola Mohalla. A total of 21 parking areas have been earmarked, with a colour-coding system for parking and routes to guide the devotees efficiently. To ease movement, 24x7 shuttle services, including 100 e-rickshaws and 50 mini-buses, will operate from the parking zones. Additionally, QR-code-based information systems have been installed at various locations to help pilgrims access details regarding shuttle services, parking points, medical facilities, and other essential amenities. For real-time monitoring, around 200 CCTV cameras, including PTZ and ANPR cameras, have been installed on approach roads, while live surveillance will continue around the clock from the CCTV Control Room at the Anandpur Sahib Police Station. For the first time, a three-layer barricading system will be implemented at Charan Ganga Stadium to manage the large crowds effectively. The festival of Hola Mohalla is considered a symbol of Chardikala, reflecting the resilience and spirit of the Sikh community and Punjabis at large. It witnesses significant participation from people of all walks of life on the sacred grounds of Sri Anandpur Sahib.