Haridwar’s Armed Police Training Centre conducted special training for 600 police officers, employees and trainee police personnel as part of preparations for the Kumbh Mela. The session focused on protecting pilgrims, managing crowds and organising arrangements for Amrit Snan.
The programme was held during the 11th phase of the training. Prof. Dr Naresh Chaudhary, chairman of the Indian Red Cross Uttarakhand, briefed participants on the safety and management challenges associated with the large gathering.
Lessons from earlier gatherings
Prof. Chaudhary referred to incidents reported during the 1986, 1998 and 2010 Kumbh Melas. He also mentioned the 2004 Ardh Kumbh and other bathing festivals, stressing the need to learn from previous events while planning for the next gathering.
The training placed particular emphasis on crowd control. Large numbers of pilgrims can create difficult conditions around bathing areas, making coordination and orderly movement important parts of the security arrangements.
Focus on coordination and rumours
Controlling rumours was identified as another important priority. The training stressed that timely control of misinformation can help prevent confusion and reduce the risk of unpleasant incidents during the fair.
Prof. Chaudhary also highlighted coordination with local residents, traders and social organisations. Cooperation among the police, community members and local institutions was presented as a way to support pilgrim safety and improve crowd management.
The session therefore covered both police preparedness and wider coordination. Its stated focus was to use experience from earlier Kumbh Melas and bathing festivals while strengthening arrangements for pilgrims and the local community.
Conclusion
The 11th training phase prepared 600 police officers, employees and trainees for crowd control, pilgrim safety and Amrit Snan arrangements. The programme emphasised learning from earlier incidents, controlling rumours and coordinating with local residents, traders and social organisations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where was the training held?
The training was held at the Armed Police Training Centre in Haridwar.
Q. How many police personnel received the training?
A total of 600 police officers, employees and trainee police personnel received the special training.
Q. What subjects were covered?
The session covered pilgrim safety, crowd control and arrangements for Amrit Snan.
Q. Who briefed the participants?
Prof. Dr Naresh Chaudhary, chairman of the Indian Red Cross Uttarakhand, briefed the participants.
Q. Which earlier events were discussed?
The briefing referred to the 1986, 1998 and 2010 Kumbh Melas, the 2004 Ardh Kumbh and other bathing festivals.
Q. What coordination was considered important?
Coordination with local residents, traders and social organisations was highlighted as important for preventing unpleasant incidents.
