Uttar Pradesh has intensified security and administrative preparations ahead of the upcoming Bakrid and Ganga Dussehra festivals. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials across the state to ensure strict law and order, improve sanitation measures and maintain communal harmony during the festive period.
During a high-level review meeting with senior administrative and police officials, the chief minister emphasised that animal sacrifice would not be permitted in public places during Bakrid. He instructed authorities to ensure that sacrifices are conducted only at designated locations and warned against encouraging any new practices that could create public inconvenience or tension.
The government also reiterated that the sacrifice of prohibited animals remains strictly banned. Officials have been directed to take action against illegal slaughterhouses and ensure that licensed facilities operate only within approved limits.
The chief minister also issued clear instructions regarding prayers during the festival. He stated that namaz should be offered only at traditional and designated places, and roads or public pathways should not be blocked under any circumstances. Authorities have been asked to coordinate with local communities in advance to ensure peaceful arrangements.
Security arrangements are being strengthened in sensitive districts including Aligarh, Saharanpur, Rampur and Sambhal. Police have been instructed to conduct flag marches, increase foot patrols and maintain continuous surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Officials were also asked to analyse previous incidents and identify potential troublemakers who could disturb public peace during the festivals. Preventive action may be taken against such individuals if required.
Apart from security concerns, the state government is focusing heavily on sanitation and civic management. District administrations have been instructed to establish proper waste disposal systems for animal remains and festival-related waste to maintain cleanliness and public hygiene.
Open sale of meat has been prohibited, and authorities have been ordered to prevent unauthorised slaughtering activities. Municipal teams are expected to remain active throughout the festival period to ensure timely cleaning and waste management.
The government is simultaneously preparing for the Ganga Dussehra festival, which is expected to draw large numbers of devotees to major religious locations including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Chitrakoot.
Officials have been directed to ensure cleanliness at ghats, proper barricading, ambulance availability, drinking water arrangements, shaded areas and effective parking management. Given the ongoing heatwave conditions, special attention is being paid to the health and safety of devotees.
The chief minister also stressed the importance of maintaining uninterrupted electricity supply and healthcare readiness during the festive period. Emergency response teams and medical units are being kept on alert to handle any unforeseen situations.
In addition to festival preparations, the state government has announced stricter action against illegal mining activities and vehicles operating without number plates. Special task forces are expected to intensify enforcement drives in several districts.
The administration has also been instructed to organise weekly community meetings or “chaupals” at the block level to address public grievances related to revenue disputes, domestic violence, police complaints and access to government welfare schemes.
