Vrindavan: With large numbers of devotees expected to visit Vrindavan during the holy month of Kartik, the district administration has strengthened safety arrangements along the Yamuna River. A temporary State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) outpost has been established at Keshi Ghat, with 32 rescue personnel deployed to prevent bathing-related accidents and respond quickly to emergencies.
The SDRF team will patrol the river using motorboats and maintain continuous surveillance of key stretches to ensure that assistance can be provided promptly if anyone encounters danger.
Why Has River Surveillance Been Increased?
During Kartik month, devotees from across India and abroad travel to Vrindavan to participate in religious observances, take ritual baths in the Yamuna and perform the traditional parikrama of the town.
Crowds typically grow further during major festivals, including Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Gopashtami, Akshaya Navami, Devuthani Ekadashi and Kartik Purnima. Managing the safety of pilgrims at the river ghats during this period presents a significant challenge for the administration.
32 Personnel and Three Motorboats Deployed
The SDRF deployment comprises two sub-inspectors, 26 constables and four boat operators. Three motorboats will patrol the Yamuna between Varah Ghat and Devaraha Baba Ghat.
The team will monitor devotees bathing in the river and respond to reports of drowning or other emergencies. The deployment is intended to help rescuers reach affected locations quickly and begin relief operations without delay.
How Has the Previous Boat Accident Influenced Safety Measures?
In April, a boat carrying devotees capsized in the Yamuna in Vrindavan, killing 16 passengers. The incident raised serious concerns about the safety of visitors on the river.
Following the tragedy, the district administration decided to deploy an SDRF team in Vrindavan. Personnel were also kept on alert during the month of Sawan. With the arrival of Kartik and the anticipated rise in pilgrim numbers, the administration has once again reinforced river safety arrangements.
Officials aim to ensure that devotees can perform religious rituals and take holy dips with improved protection throughout the busy pilgrimage period.
