Tight security on Radha Astami, admin to deploy drones

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place in this temple town for the Radha Astami celebrations on September 9 with drones to be specially used at Barsana and Vrindaban.
"The maximum concentration of pilgrims is expected in Barsana and Vrindaban. Drones will keep a close watch on chain snatchers and other anti-social elements. There will be deployment of extra force also", SSP Babloo Kumar said.
He added the mela area in Barsana would be divided into 2 zones and 6 sectors. Three SPs and 9 circle officers will manage them.
"22 CCTVs will be installed inside Barsana's Radha Rani temple, streets leading to Sri Ji temple and other areas. Entry into temples, in peak hours, would be in groups",he said.

Anti-chain snatching squad, women constables, LIU staff and anti-goonda squad would be deployed in civil clothes.
Mela officer AK Awasthi said," 75 extra buses will ply on different routes leading to Barsana and 30 buses will be kept in reserve. They will be used as per demand."

He added though Astami is celebrated in Rawal, Goverdhan, Nandgaon and Mathura, but concentration is maximum at Vrindaban and Barsana.
Pilgrims reach Barsana a day earlier to witness the diety's bathing ceremony in wee hours of Radha Astami, Awasthi added.
Dadhikana will also be played at Radha Ballabh temple, priest Govind Goswami said.