Ranchi and Khunti administrations have stepped up security and traffic arrangements for Diwali and Kali Puja, deploying magistrates, police and traffic personnel at crowded locations, puja pandals and idol immersion routes across the two districts.
A joint order issued by the Ranchi administration provides for the deployment of magistrates and police personnel at nearly 50 locations in the city. Bike patrols will operate in more than half a dozen sensitive and crowded areas to enable a faster response to emergencies during the festive period.
Around 1,000 traffic personnel and approximately 800 additional personnel are expected to be deployed in Ranchi, according to officials cited in the report. Personnel on duty have been instructed to maintain strict vigil and take immediate action in the event of any untoward incident.
The arrangements cover both crowd management and traffic movement, particularly during idol immersion processions. Circle officers, block development officers and police station in-charges have been made responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective jurisdictions.
Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said the administration was monitoring the situation closely. He appealed to residents not to forward messages that could trigger communal tension and asked puja committees to follow prescribed routes for immersion processions.
The administration has also urged organisers to avoid songs and slogans that could disturb social harmony. The measures reflect the logistical pressures created by simultaneous gatherings at pandals, processions and immersion points, where crowd density and traffic diversions can place additional demands on local enforcement teams.
In Khunti, officers conducted vehicle checks at Karra Chowk on Saturday. Police said the checks were intended to monitor anti-social elements and prevent untoward incidents. The checks are expected to continue during the festival.
The district administrations have directed field-level officers and police station in-charges to remain responsible for their assigned areas throughout the festive period. The prescribed immersion routes, vehicle checks and patrols will remain central to the arrangements as Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations continue.
