Lucknow, Nov 3 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed officials to accord the highest priority to “communal harmony and security” during upcoming festivals, warning that any attempt to turn celebrations into occasions of unrest would invite strict action under the government’s “zero-tolerance” policy.
Reviewing the state’s law and order situation and preparations for the upcoming festivals through a video conference, Adityanath directed officials to ensure foolproof security, cleanliness and civic amenities so that no untoward incident disrupts the celebrations.
He ordered the cancellation of leave for all government officials and employees, from the state headquarters to tehsil and police station levels, in view of Deepotsav, Diwali, Chhath and Dev Deepawali, according to an official statement.
“There should be round-the-clock monitoring of social media and prompt legal action against those spreading rumours, circulating misleading information or making provocative statements to disturb communal harmony,” the chief minister directed top officials, including senior IAS and IPS officers, according to the statement.
All top officers of the state attended the meeting, some of them virtually.
Reviewing preparations for the Deepotsav celebrations scheduled to be held in Ayodhya on November 7, Adityanath said the convenience and security of devotees and tourists must remain the highest priority.
He directed officials to ensure smooth inter-district and local traffic management and prepare route diversion plans in advance, with adequate publicity among the public.
Adequate police deployment round the clock was ordered at major temples and sensitive religious places. He also directed 24-hour police surveillance around major markets and commercial establishments during Dhanteras and Diwali, along with intensive foot patrolling and proper functioning of CCTV cameras.
Senior officers were asked to personally inspect arrangements in the field, while Police Response Vehicles (PRV-112) should remain continuously active.
The chief minister also directed that permissions for idol installation programmes be granted in a timely manner as per rules, while warning of strict legal action against anyone attempting to create disputes or disturb social harmony under the pretext of such events.
On fire safety, he directed officials to ensure that firecracker shops and temporary storage facilities were set up only at open and safe locations away from densely populated areas. The process of issuing no-objection certificates and licences should not face unnecessary delays.
The Fire Services Department was asked to remain on 24-hour high alert with adequate fire tenders and lifesaving equipment.
Adityanath also directed the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments to undertake special cleanliness and lighting drives in both slum settlements and upscale residential colonies. Regular sanitisation and anti-larval fogging should be carried out, with no waterlogging, garbage accumulation or potholes on roads.
Uninterrupted electricity supply without scheduled rostering and continuous availability of clean drinking water were also ordered in urban and rural areas during the festivals.
The transport department was asked to operate additional buses and take action against unfit and unauthorised vehicles. Complaints of private bus operators charging excessive fares should invite immediate punitive action.
Reviewing public distribution, pension and employee welfare issues, the chief minister directed strict action against irregularities in ration distribution, particularly under-weighing of foodgrains, saying such action should serve as an example.
Pending medical reimbursement claims of retired pensioners should be cleared on priority, while honorariums of outsourced personnel and Anganwadi workers should be transferred to their bank accounts before the festivals.
On farmers’ issues, Adityanath directed district magistrates to continuously monitor the availability of urea and DAP fertilisers. He ordered immediate registration of FIRs and strict action against those creating artificial shortages, hoarding fertilisers or selling them above the prescribed rates.
He also directed officials to ensure that farmers faced no inconvenience at paddy procurement centres and that their produce was weighed transparently and fairly.
“No farmer should return disappointed from a procurement centre without selling his produce,” the statement quoted the chief minister as saying.
(PTI News)
