Latest news with #BSPrashanth

Time of India

Police focusing on safety of people during Dasara procession

Mysuru: In the aftermath of the stampede in Bengaluru, Karnataka police are focusing more on the safety of tourists, devotees, and spectators during the Dasara procession, which is the USP of the Dasara celebration and attracts crowds in the lakhs. It has suggested cutting down on entry tickets for effective crowd regulation. The Dasara procession route in Mysuru, spanning five kms from Mysuru Palace to Banni Mantap, has been a point of concern. Despite attracting lakhs of devotees each year, the route lacks a dedicated development plan, raising significant safety issues. Stakeholders have advocated for the route to be upgraded to a model road, emphasising the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures. The govt's intervention in this matter is crucial, as the Dasara procession is not only a cultural spectacle but also a significant economic driver for the region. A well-planned and maintained procession route would enhance the overall experience for devotees and visitors, while also ensuring their safety. Furthermore, neglecting such a culturally significant event and its associated infrastructure could be perceived as a lack of respect for the region's rich heritage and traditions. It is essential for the authorities to recognise the importance of preserving and promoting cultural events while prioritising the safety and well-being of the participants. A comprehensive development plan that addresses infrastructure, crowd management, and safety measures is crucial to ensure the successful and safe conduct of this culturally significant event. Recent incidents, like the Bengaluru stampede and the latest Puri Rath Yatra stampede, have heightened the urgency for government action. Tourism stakeholder BS Prashanth said the govt should focus on areas where there will be more crowds like Chamarajendra Wadiyar Circle or Old Statue Circle, Krishnaraja Circle, and Visvesvaraya Circle. Instead of using plastic chairs, moulded sports seats that are available for rent can be brought. Reduce number of tickets: Police chief Commissioner of police Seema Latkar said that police have suggested reducing the number of tickets that are issued to witness the spectacle of the Mysuru Dasara procession. As of now, about 54k tickets are issued, and facilitating ticket holders to reach the dedicated area is the biggest challenge for the police. We informed district minister HC Mahadevappa to bring down the tickets to 20k, and the minister has positively replied to it, she said. Meanwhile, more holding areas would be created to prevent incidents of stampede, and barricading will be effectively done to regulate the crowd, Latkar stated. Historian NS Rangaraj suggested the govt focus on crowd monitoring and deployment of an additional police force than usual as a precaution, as Dasara is a crowd-puller. Recently, there was a stampede in Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha, and this should serve as an eye-opener. A dedicated development plan, with a focus on safety and heritage conservation, is essential. This will not only safeguard the well-being of the devotees but also enhance the overall experience of this historic event, which has been celebrated for centuries. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!