Mysuru: Mysuru City Police have strengthened security arrangements for Dasara 2026, deploying more than 5,000 police personnel, additional CCTV cameras, drones and specialised teams to ensure the safety of visitors expected to arrive in large numbers for the annual festivities.
The district administration is preparing to make this year’s Dasara more attractive in line with changing public expectations and directions from Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. Anticipating a higher tourist turnout than in previous years, the police have planned extensive measures to maintain law and order, manage crowds and ensure smooth traffic movement around major attractions and event venues.
Addressing a press conference in Mysuru on Friday, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar outlined the security arrangements, including additional personnel, surveillance systems, tourist assistance desks and emergency response facilities.
More than 5,000 police personnel to be deployed
The police will deploy 5,161 civil and traffic police officers and personnel, along with 33 Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons, 25 City Armed Reserve/District Armed Reserve (CAR/DAR) platoons and 1,500 home guards.
The deployment will take place in two phases: October 11 to 18 and October 19 to 21, covering the main period of Dasara celebrations.
To strengthen security at crowded locations, 24 Anti-Sabotage Check (ASC) teams will conduct regular inspections at event venues, bus stands, railway stations and other public places. These teams will carry out checks daily to identify and address potential security concerns.
The police will also use public-address systems to guide visitors and regulate crowds at major tourist destinations, junctions and event locations.
Particular attention will be given to the various gates of Mysuru Palace, the Jumbo Savari procession route and the Bannimantap grounds, where large gatherings are expected.
CCTV cameras and drones to strengthen surveillance
Mysuru already has 35,794 CCTV cameras installed at various locations. Additional cameras are being installed at Dasara venues to improve surveillance during the festival.
Drones will also be used to monitor security arrangements and crowd movement, providing the police with an additional means of observing busy areas.
The surveillance network is intended to help officials identify congestion, monitor public movement and respond quickly to emerging situations.
The police are also taking steps to prevent the circulation of misleading information during the festivities. Twenty social media monitoring teams comprising 58 experts have been formed to track online content, particularly old or fake videos and false news that could create unnecessary fear or anxiety among the public.
Visitors are encouraged to rely on official police channels for updates on security arrangements and traffic restrictions.
21 help desks and online visitor portal
To assist tourists, the police will establish 21 police help desks at key locations. These desks will provide information to visitors and help them report problems during the celebrations.
The department has also launched the Mysuru Dasara 2026 visitor portal at https://mysurupolicedasarportal.com.
The portal will provide updates on security measures, traffic diversions and routes, besides allowing visitors to report problems. People can access the portal by scanning QR codes installed at event venues.
The police will also share information through their official Facebook, Instagram and X accounts.
For emergency complaints received through the 112 helpline, 18 vehicles will be deployed. The police will coordinate with Yathri Mitra patrol vehicles to strengthen assistance and response arrangements across the city.
These measures are intended to make it easier for tourists to navigate the city and obtain help during one of Karnataka’s largest annual cultural festivals.
Special measures for women and children
The police have made additional arrangements to improve the safety of women and children during Dasara.
Alongside the existing Akka Pade unit, four additional Akka Pade teams comprising women police personnel will be deployed. The teams will assist women and children and respond to safety-related concerns in crowded areas.
Emergency preparedness has also been strengthened, with 28 ambulances and 32 fire and emergency services units being made available to handle medical emergencies, fires and other incidents.
The deployment of emergency resources is expected to support a quicker response at major venues and other locations witnessing heavy visitor movement.
Traffic diversions planned around Palace and major venues
With large crowds expected at Mysuru Palace and other tourist attractions, the police are streamlining traffic movement through one-way systems and diversions.
Restrictions and traffic management arrangements will focus on the Palace surroundings, major junctions and roads connected to the principal Dasara venues.
Visitors are likely to encounter changes in regular traffic movement, particularly around the Jumbo Savari route and Bannimantap grounds. The police have advised people to follow official announcements and directions issued by personnel on duty.
The online visitor portal and police social media accounts will provide updates on diversions and routes to help motorists plan their journeys.
Hotels asked to verify guest details
As part of preventive security measures, the police have held meetings with hoteliers and instructed them to record the credentials of their guests.
Officials also plan to conduct surprise inspections at hotels to check compliance with these instructions.
The measures form part of a wider effort to strengthen security across accommodation facilities and other locations likely to receive a large number of visitors during Dasara.
Notices issued over unsafe buildings and trees
In a joint inspection, Mysuru City Police and Mysuru City Corporation officials identified 92 dilapidated buildings and 292 trees that could pose safety risks during the festivities.
Authorities have prohibited people from climbing these buildings and trees to watch the procession.
Officials have already met the owners of the identified buildings and issued notices directing them not to allow people to view the procession from these properties.
The restrictions are intended to prevent accidents caused by unstable structures or unsafe vantage points as crowds gather along the procession route.
Comprehensive arrangements for Dasara visitors
With additional police personnel, surveillance systems, help desks, emergency services and traffic controls, Mysuru City Police are preparing for the expected increase in visitors during Dasara 2026.
The arrangements cover security at major venues, public assistance, online information, women’s safety and preventive action against potential hazards.
Visitors are advised to check official Mysuru Police updates before travelling to crowded locations and to follow traffic diversions, safety instructions and directions from personnel on duty.