UP ready,puts all hands on deck

From PWD to Health and PDS,depts have been told to prepare for any eventuality

It is mobilisation on a war footing,and not just of law and order. In the run-up to September 24,when the Allahabad High Court will deliver its judgment on the Ayodhya title suit,Uttar Pradesh is gearing up the government machinery on a scale perhaps never seen before.

Even departments like Public Works,Civil Supplies,Transport,Health,Public Distribution have been given responsibilities and asked to be ready to help in an emergency. An official said the mobilisation was standard procedure in the event of an emergency,but admitted it was the first time it was being done on this scale because the Chief Minister wants strict implementation.

We dont want to leave anything to chance. Our preparations are meant to tackle a crisis situation, the official in the Home Department said.

So,as Principal Secretary Home Kunwar Fateh Bahadur,DGP Karamvir Singh and ADG Law and Order Brij Lal tour the state to check police preparedness,officers of other departments are giving instructions to the lowest level,telling what is employees need to do. District department heads have been asked to coordinate with district magistrates.

The exercise covers even rural areas. Riots do not remain confined to urban areas in this age of cellphones and fast communication, explained an officer.

The responsibilities of departments:

The Public Works Department: Told to keep materials ready to erect barricades,and to be ready for construction on short notice. Also told to tap PWD contractors,who can be a useful in an emergency.

The Civil Supplies Department: Tasked to keep adequate stocks of food items,in case the administration has to arrange shelter and food for people on short notice. Owners of PDS shops to play an important link.

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The Health Department: Told to depute a nodal officer in each district,and keep over 950 ambulances ready each district headquarters to have at least two; each block at least one. The department also has lists of hospitals and nursing homes,doctors,ambulance drivers.

The Transport Department: Has asked regional managers to keep buses in reserve,for transportation of forces if necessary.

Chief Development Officers: Have been asked to contact local Education Department. Every district has thousands of teachers. Theyll be used for confidence-building, a source said.

The Revenue Department: Has activated patwaris and lekhpals,who are influential in rural areas,to collect information about potential troublemongers and be ready to help defuse any crisis.

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The Home Department: Has identified sensitive districts and and sent extra forces. May soon begin rounding up anti-social elements. The government has asked the Centre for 458 companies of paramilitary forces. Officials have been asked to activate peace committees at the police station level. DMs have been asked to hold meetings with official to ensure readiness.

Plea for deferring of title suit verdict moved

Lucknow: Two separate applications seeking directions for deferring the verdict on the Ayodhya title suit were moved before the Allahabad High Court Monday. Citing apprehension of breach of peace and the Commonwealth Games,the applications sought deferment of the verdict to be pronounced by the Lucknow Bench of the Court on September 24. The petitions were moved before the Officer on Special Duty of the High Court,lawyer H S Jain,representing the Hindu Mahasabha,a party in the title suit,said.

Security for 3 judges and around HC

LUCKNOW: The state has provided security to three judges of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court who constitued the special bench that will deliver the verdict on the Ayodhya title suit. Security has also been tightened at the Allahabad High Court and at the Lucknow bench of the court. The steps were taken after a request from one of the judges for better security. ADG Law and Order Brij Lal said a platoon of PAC personnel,five CRPF men,an escort,pilot vehicle and a personal security officer have been deputed for the judges.