MYSURU: Mysuru City Police have drawn up an extensive two-phase security strategy for Dasara 2026, deploying 5,161 police officers and personnel, 33 Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons and thousands of additional security staff to manage crowds during the 11-day festival. The arrangements include 34,000 CCTV cameras, 65 designated parking areas, 18 police help centres and special traffic measures for the grand Jamboo Savari procession on October 21.

City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar announced the arrangements at a press conference on October 10, outlining measures to protect visitors, regulate traffic, prevent security incidents and ensure the smooth conduct of major events. The plan covers the Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hill, Dasara Exhibition, cultural programmes, food fairs, sporting events and the procession route.

The security arrangements will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will operate from October 11 to 18, while the second phase, from October 19 to 21, will focus on Jamboo Savari and other major events expected to attract large crowds.

Two-phase security deployment for Dasara

The first phase will cover the opening days of the festival and the various cultural, religious and public programmes held across Mysuru. The second phase will involve additional arrangements for the final three days, when visitor numbers and traffic are expected to increase significantly.

The overall deployment includes 5,161 police officers and personnel from the civil and traffic wings, 33 KSRP platoons, 25 City Armed Reserve and District Armed Reserve platoons, 24 anti-sabotage check teams and 1,500 Home Guards.

Police personnel will be stationed at major venues and crowded locations, with special attention given to crowd movement, vehicle regulation and the prevention of security threats.

The arrangements also cover the Dasara Exhibition, wrestling competitions, flower show, food festival, book fair, Yuva Dasara programmes, drone show, air show and palace illumination displays.

The police said shortcomings identified during the previous year’s celebrations had been considered while preparing this year’s plan. Additional measures have been introduced to address crowd safety, surveillance and access control.

Special security measures along Jamboo Savari route

The Jamboo Savari procession on October 21 is expected to be one of the festival’s busiest events. Mysuru City Police have therefore drawn up special security and crowd-management arrangements along the 4.5-km procession route.

Authorities have prohibited people from climbing buildings and trees to watch the procession because of the risk of falls and overcrowding. Officials have inspected 92 buildings and issued notices to prevent people from accessing rooftops and other unsafe vantage points.

Sitting on tree branches to view the procession has also been prohibited.

The restrictions are intended to prevent accidents and ensure that spectators can watch the procession from designated and safer locations.

Police personnel will monitor the procession route and surrounding areas to regulate crowd movement. Visitors are expected to follow instructions from security staff and avoid entering restricted areas.

Helium balloon sales banned

The police have prohibited the sale of helium balloons during this year’s Dasara following a helium cylinder explosion near Mysuru Palace during last year’s festivities.

The decision is intended to prevent a recurrence of incidents involving helium cylinders in crowded public areas.

Authorities are also identifying unauthorised vendors and discussing designated vending zones with the Mysuru City Corporation. Regulating vendors is expected to help maintain pedestrian movement and reduce risks around major festival venues.

The police will continue to monitor crowded locations and take action against violations of safety restrictions.

34,000 CCTV cameras and drone surveillance

Surveillance will be a key component of the security strategy. Mysuru already has around 34,000 CCTV cameras, and additional cameras are being installed at sensitive locations during the festival.

Police drones will provide aerial surveillance, while dog squads and bomb detection and disposal teams will conduct daily checks at major venues.

The deployment is intended to help officials identify suspicious activity, monitor crowd movement and respond quickly to possible security threats.

Twenty teams have also been formed to monitor social media platforms for misinformation and misleading posts related to Dasara.

Commissioner Seema Latkar warned that circulating unverified information or sharing old videos as though they showed current incidents could invite legal action.

A dedicated Mysuru Dasara 2026 portal is also planned to provide daily traffic advisories, parking information, route maps and other visitor-related updates. QR codes will help people access the information, while updates will also be shared through the police department’s official Facebook, Instagram and X accounts.

For emergencies, visitors can dial 112. Eighteen police help centres and 18 emergency response vehicles are among the arrangements intended to support the public during the festivities.

65 parking areas and extensive traffic management

Traffic management will be carried out in two phases, with personnel deployed across important junctions and routes leading to major venues.

The first phase will include 1,635 traffic personnel and officers across different ranks. Approximately 2,000 Traffic Police personnel will be on duty during the final three days of Dasara.

The authorities have identified 65 parking locations across Mysuru, with separate arrangements for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. QR codes and entry tickets will provide details of the parking facilities.

Alternative routes have been planned for light vehicles and two-wheelers near Manipal Junction. Bus routes will also be modified in coordination with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

Temporary bus stands will operate at selected locations to facilitate city travel during the festival. Additional arrangements will be made for outstation buses on October 21, when the Jamboo Savari procession is expected to affect regular traffic movement.

Visitors are advised to check official traffic updates before travelling to the palace, exhibition grounds and other major venues.

Ambulances, fire engines and emergency response

Emergency services will be strengthened throughout the festival. The police plan includes 28 ambulances and 32 fire engines to respond to medical emergencies, fires and other incidents.

Special traffic routes will be designated for Jamboo Savari day to support emergency movement and help manage congestion around the procession.

The arrangements are particularly important during large public gatherings, when access for emergency vehicles can be affected by road closures and pedestrian crowds.

Coordination among police, fire services, medical teams and traffic personnel will be essential to ensure that assistance reaches people quickly.

Special focus on women and children’s safety

Women’s and children’s safety will receive particular attention during Dasara. The existing Akka Pade women’s protection unit has been strengthened, and four additional women police teams will patrol crowded locations.

These teams will focus on busy areas such as food fairs, bus stands and other public venues where families and tourists gather.

The initiative is intended to improve assistance for women and children who experience harassment, become separated from family members or need help navigating crowded spaces.

Police help centres have also been established at 18 locations across Mysuru. These include Chamundi Hill, the Mysuru Palace, the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, Mysuru Zoo, the KSRTC bus stand and railway station, among other important visitor destinations.

A Police Mitra system has been introduced in coordination with the Tourism Department and Traffic Police to improve assistance for visitors.

Tourist help centres across Mysuru

The 18 help centres will provide information and assistance to tourists attending the festival. Their locations have been selected to cover major religious sites, transport hubs and popular public attractions.

The centres are expected to help visitors obtain directions, seek assistance and access relevant information during the celebrations.

The police have expanded the number of help centres compared with last year, reflecting the importance of visitor support during a festival that attracts people from across Karnataka and other states.

Residents and tourists are encouraged to follow official instructions, use designated parking areas and contact emergency services when necessary.

Conclusion

Mysuru’s two-phase security strategy for Dasara 2026 combines extensive police deployment, CCTV surveillance, traffic management and emergency response arrangements to protect visitors throughout the festival.

With 5,161 police personnel, 33 KSRP platoons, 65 parking areas, 18 help centres and additional surveillance measures, the authorities are preparing for the crowds expected at major events, particularly the Jamboo Savari on October 21.

The police have also introduced restrictions on helium balloon sales, unsafe viewing locations and the circulation of misleading information. Visitors can contribute to a safer festival by following traffic advisories, using designated facilities and complying with instructions issued by the authorities.