Prayagraj: Ahead of the festival of colours, men in-khaki have issued a stern message to revellers- ‘Only Holi, No Hooliganism’. The cops said that strict security would be in place across the city during the festival. Those indulging in mischief in the name of Holi would be taken to task.Apart from the Prayagraj police commissionerate, district authorities have too geared up to ensure the festival is incident-free. District magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said that several major festivals, including Holi, Ramadan, Eid, and Navratri, were looming large in the coming month, and both police and the district administration must ensure that the festivals were celebrated safely and systematically with mutual cooperation and harmony. The DM said that no new traditions should be started during the upcoming festivals, that all parties must agree on changing the site of burning the Holika, and public transport should not be disrupted by Holika Dahan.He asked that misleading information circulating on social media be brought to his attention as soon as possible so that timely action could be taken. In view of the board exams, the DM also directed that sound systems be played at a low volume to avoid disruptions to students’ studies.He also asked senior police officials to hold police station-wise meetings with Holi and other puja organisers before the Holika Dahan. He further asked the electricity department to remain on alert and only conduct shutdowns when absolutely necessary. Officials of the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation were asked to ensure cleanliness in urban and rural areas. Jal Nigam and fire department were also given necessary instructions. The DM also directed strict action against those selling adulterated food items, and also directed that vendors should not be unnecessarily harassed.Additional police commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma advised against burning Holika under power lines or in places prone to accidents.
