Example-setting action will be taken against those who disrupt festivals.

The Uttar Pradesh government has come into full action mode regarding the upcoming Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhaidooj and Chhath festival. To maintain peace, security and communal harmony in the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has held a high-level review meeting and issued very strict guidelines to the administration. The Chief Minister has given a clear message that any kind of disturbance, malicious dispute or attempt to damage the social fabric under the guise of festivals and traditions will not be tolerated at any cost. Under the policy of ‘Zero Tolerance’ in the state, instructions have been given to take the strictest legal action against anarchic, anti-social and unruly elements which will become an example for others.

In order to maintain security and administrative arrangements during the festivals, the government has taken a major step and canceled the holidays of the police department and field administrative machinery with immediate effect.

• Senior officers will enter the field: Leaves of all officers and personnel from Lucknow Secretariat to district, tehsil and police station level have been cancelled.

• Foot Patrolling Mandatory: District Magistrates (DM), Police Captains (SP/SSP) and senior police officers have been ordered to come out of their offices and do foot patrolling in markets and sensitive crowded areas.

• PRV-112 Active 24 Hours: All patrolling vehicles of UP Dial 112 have been kept on alert mode, so that immediate response can be given to any information.

Social media and digital platforms are often misused to incite communal tension. In view of this, the Social Media Cell and Cyber ​​Cell of Uttar Pradesh Police have been kept on high alert 24 hours:

• People spreading communal or inflammatory posts, fake videos or rumors on WhatsApp groups, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram are being monitored round the clock.

• Police have been instructed to immediately file an FIR against those spreading rumors and trying to spoil the atmosphere and send them to jail without any delay.

The Chief Minister has also set strict security standards regarding religious events and commercial activities:

1. Security at sensitive sites: There will be 24-hour deployment of additional police forces and PAC in all major temples, religious places and sensitive areas with mixed population.

2. Permission to erect the statue: Time bound administrative permission is mandatory for installation of statues and religious processions; Those who create controversy without permission or under the guise of new tradition will be dealt with strictly.

3. Firecracker shops only in open places: Giving top priority to fire safety, it has been made clear that firecracker shops and temporary gunpowder warehouses will be set up only in identified open grounds, away from dense population. The fire brigade will remain on high alert with necessary life-saving equipment.

While reviewing the preparations for the grand ‘Deepotsav’ to be organized in Ayodhya on November 7, the Chief Minister has given instructions to implement the route diversion plan in advance and give wide publicity for the convenience of the devotees coming from India and abroad. Along with this, it has been asked to run a special campaign of rooster-free 24-hour uninterrupted power supply, pure drinking water and anti-larva fogging during festivals in the entire state. The Transport Department has been given strict instructions to immediately cancel permits and take punitive action if private bus operators run extra buses and charge arbitrary fares.