The famous Margashirsha Mela has begun in Soron, Kasganj, a major pilgrimage centre in North India. With large crowds expected, the police and district administration have tightened security arrangements. Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Ankita Sharma reviewed the preparations on Friday and instructed all police personnel to remain alert.

Key Highlights

• Strict security arrangements for the Margashirsha Mela

• SP briefed police teams on maintaining law and order

• ASP emphasised smooth traffic management

• Temporary kotwali (police station) established with an appointed in-charge

• Traffic diversions planned for the bathing (snan) days

• Senior officials conducted a field inspection

Briefing by SP and ASP

SP Ankita Sharma held a meeting at the temporary Mela Kotwali with police officers deployed for the fair. She instructed them to:

• Stay alert and maintain law & order

• Ensure safety of all pilgrims coming from different states

• Manage crowds during the four special bathing days

• Make the fair peaceful, grand, and well-organised

ASP Sushil Kumar emphasised that traffic management must be the top priority, as smooth traffic flow prevents most disruptions.

SDM Sadar Sanjeev Kumar and CO Sadar Aanchal Chauhan also shared details of administrative preparations.

Officials Conduct Field Inspection

Ahead of the fair’s formal start (Saturday), SP and ASP inspected:

• Mela ground

• Entry and exit routes

• Parking zones

• Key deployment points for police

They also identified sensitive locations for crowd control during processions of mahamandaleshwars and saints.

Traffic Diversions During Snan Days (Dec 1–4)

Special bathing days are expected to attract heavy crowds. Traffic will be diverted as follows:

1. Etah → Bareilly

All vehicles will be diverted from:
Saurabh Dhaba → Mandal Tiraha (Kasganj) → Sahawar → Ganjdundwara → Kaderganj bridge → Badaun border

2. Hathras/Aligarh → Bareilly

Vehicles will be diverted from:
Hazara canal bridge → Mamo bypass → Gorha canal → Sahawar → Ganjdundwara → Kaderganj bridge → Badaun

3. Badaun → Etah

All vehicles (including two-wheelers) will be diverted via:
Nagariya Mod → Sahawar → Amanpur → Etah

Designated Parking Areas for Pilgrims

To manage the large influx of vehicles, five dedicated parking areas have been set up:

1. Polytechnic College Ground

2. Open ground near petrol pump

3. Ground opposite Holdalpur Power House

4. Army Ground (from Kachhla side)

5. Ground near Bachhroo Temple (for vehicles from Sahawar side)

These arrangements aim to prevent congestion and ensure smooth movement of pilgrims arriving for the holy Ganga snan.