KATHMANDU: Nepal Police has stepped up security measures across the country ahead of Tihar, Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath, deploying additional personnel and strengthening surveillance to prevent criminal activities and ensure public safety during the festive season.
Under the ‘Special Security Plan for Festivals, 2083′, police manpower and surveillance have been increased in sensitive areas following an assessment of potential security threats, according to the Police Headquarters in Naxal.
Marketplaces, religious sites, public transport hubs, border checkpoints and other crowded areas have been identified as priority security zones.
Nepal Police Central Spokesperson Abinarayan Kafle said theft, robbery, gambling, drug and alcohol abuse, disputes, black marketing, food adulteration and fire incidents were among the major security challenges during festivals.
To address these risks, police have intensified regular patrols, emergency checks and plainclothes operations. Security monitoring will also be strengthened through the use of CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras, drones and trained sniffer dogs.
Kafle said rapid response teams and disaster management personnel had been kept on standby to respond promptly to emergencies, while surveillance had been intensified in areas considered particularly vulnerable.
With passenger numbers expected to rise during the festive period, police have also prioritised road safety and measures to prevent traffic accidents.
According to the Police Headquarters, 1,165 police personnel have been deployed at 408 passenger assistance centres established across the country. Similarly, assistance centres have been set up at 108 locations along international border crossings.
Police have also introduced stricter checks on long-distance vehicles before their operation. These include verification of drivers’ licences, screening for alcohol and drug consumption, and inspection of documents relating to the mechanical condition of vehicles.
Monitoring has also been intensified to ensure compliance with the requirement for two drivers in long-distance public transport vehicles.
The Police Headquarters said assistance would be provided through passenger assistance centres at border points to protect people returning home for the festivals from potential fraud, robbery and other criminal activities.
The security arrangements are aimed at enabling people to celebrate the festivals safely while ensuring the protection of lives and property, maintaining public order and facilitating smooth transportation throughout the festive period.
Comment