Lucknow Diwali security arrangements have taken a citizen-focused turn, with Police Commissioner Tarun Gauba walking through crowded markets, inspecting police deployment and traffic management, and seeking feedback from traders and residents ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali.
Gauba began the foot patrol from Koneshwar Crossing and proceeded through Chowk, including the bullion market and the main commercial market. The exercise was conducted with senior police officers and a sizeable police contingent as markets prepare for a major increase in shoppers and business activity during the festive period.
The commissioner interacted with shopkeepers and members of the public, greeted people and enquired about their well-being. He also assessed security arrangements and asked people about their concerns. The police assured residents and traders that personnel would remain alert and accessible throughout the festive period.
On Friday, Gauba was also seen in Hazratganj interacting with traders. Police attention is being directed towards bullion markets, jewellery shops, shopping centres and other major commercial establishments that are expected to draw large crowds for festive purchases.
The patrol combined conventional security surveillance with direct engagement at street level. In addition to reviewing police deployment, the commissioner assessed traffic-management arrangements in areas where congestion is expected to intensify as shoppers visit commercial districts. The exercise gave senior officers an opportunity to hear directly from traders and residents about security concerns and the challenges created by the festive rush.
Vikas Mehrotra, a trader in Chowk, said the approach was significant because festive policing is often associated mainly with barricading, deployment and surveillance. He described the combination of patrolling and direct interaction with citizens as useful during the period of heightened market activity.
The police have not announced any separate changes to market timings or traffic restrictions in the supplied report. The immediate focus remains on maintaining security, monitoring crowded commercial areas and managing movement around markets during Dhanteras and Diwali.
