Bhaktapur, April 6

A rapid rescue squad of Nepal Police is being mobilised for the first time during this year’s Bisket Jatra festival. The festival observed in Bhaktapur for nine days and eight nights will begin from Taumadhi on April 9.

A rapid rescue team has been set up considering the risk of accidents when the chariots are pulled through narrow alleys in the ancient city, said Police Superintendent at Metropolitan Police Range Bhaktapur Kiran Bajracharya. The police, in association with Guthi Sansthan and local clubs, have also made elaborate security arrangement to counter potential security threats and ensure that the Jatra passes off peacefully.

SP Bajracharya said they had to take extra precautions as many roadside houses in Bhaktapur were damaged in the earthquakes last year. A team from Nepal Police headquarters will remain on standby at the police circle premises in Bhaktapur with all necessary tools and equipment for rescue and relief.

Considering the risk to damaged houses, the route for the chariot has also been shortened this year, said SP Bajracharya. All liquor shops in the areas will be shut during the festival.

Three persons were crushed to death in 2013 when the Bhairavnath chariot ran over them. Too many people aboard the chariot was said to be the reason behind the tragedy. Police said not more than 20 persons were allowed to climb the chariot as per the tradition.

The local administration will deploy more than 2,500 security personnel, both in uniform and civvies, with special focus on 100 metre radius of the chariot to deter revellers from engaging in any sort of brawl. Usually people tend to jostle over who will lead the chariot to their areas. Incidents of stone pelting and clashes have taken place in the past during the Jatra.

Police personnel have been directed to arrest any person caught indulging in stone-throwing, drunken brawl and hooliganism. Such persons could face legal action under the Some Public (Crime and Punishment) Act,1970. Officials said they will also mobilise local volunteers to convince the revellers to celebrate the festival in a decent manner.

CC TV cameras have also been installed at major thoroughfares while plainclothes cops will be mobilised to monitor the crowd, police said. Many volunteers are being mobilised with the help of Nepal Red Cross Society and local social clubs to help organise the festival in a peaceful manner.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Drinking Water Supply Office have decided to provide uninterrupted power and water supply to the district during the festival.