Vijayawada deploys more than 3,000 police for Dasara at Kanaka Durga temple

Authorities in Vijayawada have expanded security and visitor services for the Dasara celebrations at Kanaka Durga temple, with more than 3,000 police personnel deployed across the temple area and other key locations.

The main festival programme begins on October 11. Temple officials said the first day features Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi alankaram. The traditional police offering of silk robes took place on Saturday night, The Times of India reported.

Facilities include 18 prasadam distribution counters, more than 50 drinking water points, 40 parking areas and medical camps. Officials said ordinary devotees would receive priority in queue management.

Around 70 LED screens, cameras using artificial intelligence and drones will help monitor queues and crowds. A control centre at the Model Guest House will coordinate supervision by district, temple and police officials.

Specialist swimmers and state and national disaster response teams have been stationed at bathing ghats. Free transport is available for senior citizens and people with disabilities from the TTD site near Kummaripalem.