Nasik, July 29: A high alert has been sounded in and around Nasik, the venue for the forthcoming Kumbh Mela following a bomb blast in Mumbai yesterday with security around key areas being tightened. "Security has been beefed up in and around sadhugram and constant vigil is being kept at all important exit and entrance points," Commissioner of Police P T Lohar told reporters here today.

An urgent meeting of all senior police officers including deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners was held here late last night, he added.

Police have started 57 new police chowkies and opened five control rooms, and set up watch towers at important places. Vehicles are being checked and we are even checking incoming pilgrims from different places to prevent terrorists activities, he said.

The state government has granted 11 police companies and about 2000 policemen have been deployed in city, Lohar said.

Ten parking lots have been set up outskirts of the city. Pilgrims can make use of the state road transport corporation buses to reach the bathing ghats, he added.

A bomb detection and bomb squads, metal detectors, quick action force, anti-terrorist-activity squad, additional vehicles, automatic arms and separate officers also keep ready for the Kumbh Mela in Nasik on August 17, 27 and September 01. Considering the work-load on traffic police, traffic warden, homeguards and civil defence force will assist traffic police, he added.

Bureau Report