The Dhar district administration has implemented a comprehensive security apparatus and enforced stringent prohibitory orders to maintain law and order during the upcoming Basant Panchami festival. With an aim to preserve communal harmony, the administration has deployed a massive police force and issued specific directives under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. District Magistrate Priyank Mishra and Superintendent of Police Mayank Awasthi confirmed that executive magistrates have been stationed at strategic locations to ensure a swift response to any contingency. Flag marches are being conducted in sensitive areas to instill public confidence, and the administration has appealed to citizens to ignore unverified rumours. No-Fly Zone and public safety: A 300-meter radius around the Bhojshala complex has been declared a ‘No-Fly Zone.’ The operation of drones, paragliders, hot air balloons, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the storage of construction material, debris, old tires, or abandoned kiosks on public roads is banned to prevent potential blockades or misuse.

 

Municipal authorities have been authorised to seize any such material found in violation. Regulated communication and content: Strict guidelines have been issued for printing presses. Owners must ensure that any advertisements, banners, or posters related to the festival use moderate and respectful language. The publication of inflammatory or provocative content targeting any community is strictly forbidden. All printed material must carry the name of the press and the publisher, and a copy must be submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) for record. Entry restrictions at Bhojshala: Authorities have specified that devotees entering the Bhojshala complex may only carry essential puja items, rice (akshat), and flowers. Prohibited items include mobile phones, bags, cameras, and water bottles. The possession of weapons, including knives, swords, sticks, and firearms or explosives is completely banned in the vicinity.

 

Crackdown on anti-social elements: In a major preventive move, the police have bound over 4,526 individuals with criminal records, involving bonds totalling approximately Rs 400 crore. Additionally, the sale of loose petrol or diesel in cans and bottles has been restricted, and a temporary ban on the sale of liquor has been enforced for the duration of the festival. Deployment of force: To ensure an airtight security grid, a force of 6,461 police personnel has been mobilised, including: 13 Superintendents of Police (SP),25 Additional SPs, 67 DSPs/CSPs, 107 Inspectors, 4,768 Sub-Inspectors and Constables, 933 Women Police Personnel, 8 Platoons of the Rapid Action Force (RAF).