Police to Monitor DJ Playlists and Security During Ahmedabad's Rath Yatra

Police to Monitor DJ Playlists and Security During Ahmedabad’s Rath Yatra

Ahmedabad is gearing up for Lord Jagannath’s 147th Rath Yatra with stringent security protocols in place. For the first time, DJs at all 209 Rath Yatras across the city are required to submit their playlists for police approval. The measure is aimed at ensuring that music played on the procession routes, especially in sensitive areas, does not incite tensions.

Each DJ booth will have a police officer stationed to halt any unapproved or objectionable music. Over 18,000 police personnel will be deployed, including a dedicated squad partnering with chariots along the procession routes.

DGP Law and Order Shamsher Singh emphasized the importance of verifying songs, slogans, banners, and tableaux to maintain communal harmony. In addition, four drones will provide aerial surveillance over key points in Ahmedabad, directly streaming to the police control room and officers’ mobile phones.

Both Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar have been designated as 'sensitive' areas for the Yatra. The procession in Ahmedabad will include 18 elephants, 101 trucks, and 30 akhadas, starting from 6 AM.

In Odisha, the Puri Rath Yatra will incorporate AI technology for the first time to manage crowds and traffic. The festival, set for July 7, will use AI-based CCTV and drone surveillance to address blind spots and traffic jams.

This year's security measures and technological advancements aim to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the ancient festival.