Officials inspect Jamboo Savari route amid crowd-safety concerns

With the Mysuru Dasara festivities approaching, senior officials on Tuesday inspected the Jamboo Savari procession route and discussed measures to manage the expected surge in crowds and ensure the safety of spectators.

Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, MCC Commissioner M.K. Savita, Deputy Commissioners of Police Harsha Priyamvada and Sundar Raj, and other officials visited Sayyaji Rao Road, a key stretch of the procession route that witnesses huge crowds during Jamboo Savari.

The officials reviewed arrangements to prevent people from climbing trees and buildings along the route to get a better view of the procession. The issue assumes significance as several heritage structures, including the century-old Devaraja Market, abut the route.

The police and civic authorities are working on measures to ensure that spectators do not climb the buildings or trees, both to protect the structures and to prevent accidents amid the heavy rush.

The authorities face a major challenge in crowd management as even the routine rehearsals involving the Dasara elephants attract large numbers of people eager to catch a glimpse of the majestic animals. The turnout is expected to be significantly higher on Jamboo Savari day.

The nearly five-km-long procession route from the Mysuru Palace to Bannimantap is expected to be packed with spectators seeking a glimpse of the caparisoned elephants, the golden ambari, cultural and folk troupes, tableaux and other attractions of the grand procession.