By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi (India): All Ramleela venues in Delhi will be equipped with CCTV cameras as part of enhanced security and crowd-management arrangements for the upcoming festive events, according to a press release issued by the Delhi Government.
Two meetings were held at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday to review preparations, venues and civic facilities for Ramleela events across the capital. The meetings were chaired by Social Welfare Minister and Chairman of the Ramleela Committee, Shri Ravinder Indraj Singh, and attended by Ramleela committee representatives and senior officials from various departments.
The committee, constituted by Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, has been tasked with coordinating arrangements and ensuring timely issuance of necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) through a Single-Window System.
Shri Ravinder Indraj Singh directed officials to prepare a consolidated status of all pending permissions and ensure their early disposal. He said genuine issues faced by Ramleela committees should be resolved within a fixed timeframe through better inter-departmental coordination.
Security, CCTV and Crowd Management
Security arrangements received particular attention in view of the expected large gatherings at Ramleela venues. Delhi Police was directed to ensure adequate deployment of personnel, metal detectors and other security measures based on the size of the crowds.
Ramleela committees were also asked to install adequate CCTV cameras and use modern camera systems for effective monitoring of the venues. Civil Defence personnel are to be deployed according to the size of each venue and local requirements.
Electricity Arrangements Reviewed
The meetings also reviewed electricity-related arrangements, including a proposal to reduce the security deposit to one-fourth, as was done last year. The Minister directed officials to issue the relevant circular at the earliest.
Discussions were also held on free electricity up to 1,200 units. Regarding separate letters from SDMs or District Magistrates for electricity connections, the Minister said such permissions should not be required separately under the Single-Window System and directed officials to issue necessary instructions.
Parking, Sanitation and Civic Facilities
Officials were directed to ensure adequate parking at all Ramleela venues, along with regular cleaning and maintenance of toilets managed by the DDA and MCD. Fogging is also to be carried out regularly during the Ramleela period, while mobile toilets will be arranged wherever required.
Repair, cleanliness and maintenance of park entry routes and interlocking tiles are to be completed before the events begin to ensure inconvenience-free access for devotees.
The Minister further directed that fairs, amusement rides, temporary markets and other activities around Ramleela venues should be planned without disrupting the main religious and cultural programmes.
Grace Period for Security Deposits
The meeting also considered concerns over the prescribed period for dismantling and removing temporary structures after Ramleela events. Shri Ravinder Indraj Singh directed officials to examine providing an appropriate grace period in addition to the existing 45-day period, so that security deposits are not forfeited because of minor delays in dismantling.
Daily Anti-Drug Pledge at 9 PM
As part of the committee’s public-interest initiatives, a pledge against drug abuse will be administered every day at 9 PM at every Ramleela venue.
The committee will also promote messages on environmental protection, Vocal for Local, cleanliness, water conservation, Swadeshi and the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign through Ramleela events. Portraits of Saint Valmiki and Saint Ravidas will also be displayed at all venues.
The Minister proposed holding review meetings with the Ramleela Federation and concerned departments every three months to establish a permanent mechanism for identifying and resolving issues in advance.
Describing Ramleela as an important religious and cultural tradition of Delhi, Shri Ravinder Indraj Singh directed all departments to work with responsibility and coordination to ensure the events are conducted safely and smoothly.
