Security on high alert as Mata Chintpurni fair begins today

With the onset of the holy month of Shravan, elaborate arrangements and heightened security measures have been put in place for devotees attending the Mata Chintpurni fair, beginning tomorrow. These arrangements will remain effective until August 3, ensuring a safe and orderly environment for pilgrims.

District Magistrate Jatin Lal, who also serves as the Chairman of the Chintpurni Temple Trust, has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to enforce a series of restrictions aimed at maintaining law and order during the fair.

A complete ban has been imposed on the carrying of firearms by anyone other than on-duty security personnel. The use of musical instruments, such as brass bands and drums, along with public address systems, is also strictly prohibited throughout the district until August 3.

According to the official communiqué, devotees traveling inter-state and found carrying musical instruments or PA systems must deposit them at designated police barriers set up at inter-state entry points. In addition, the use and possession of polythene bags will remain completely banned during the duration of the fair.

To maintain smooth pedestrian movement and religious decorum, no person or organisation will be permitted to set up ‘langars’ (community kitchens) on roadsides near the temple or on the approach routes.

All pilgrims visiting the shrine for darshan must register at the official computer counters and only those possessing valid entry slips will be granted access inside the temple premises.

In a move to bolster surveillance and ensure safety, CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic locations around the temple complex to monitor crowd movement and deter anti-social elements. Vehicular traffic will be restricted on certain routes leading to the shrine, while designated parking lots have been established at key road intersections to accommodate vehicles and reduce congestion.

The district administration has urged all devotees and visitors to cooperate with the guidelines to ensure a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling fair.

Himachal Tribune