Patiala: Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday reviewed security arrangements for Independence Day celebrations across the state and instructed police officers to step up vigilance, strengthen counter-terrorism preparedness and ensure tight security at celebration venues.
State-level review in SAS Nagar and Patiala ranges
On the second day of his tour, the DGP chaired law-and-order review meetings in SAS Nagar and Patiala with senior officers and field personnel. The sessions covered two policing ranges: the Ropar range — comprising SAS Nagar, Ropar and Fatehgarh Sahib — and the Patiala range — covering Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala and Malerkotla.
Attendees included DIGs Kuldeep Chahal and Nanak Singh and the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of the eight districts under the two ranges. The meetings examined security plans for main celebration grounds, deployment of security grids and community engagement, according to officials.
Operational directives and community engagement
The DGP directed officers to maintain close coordination between district and local units, ensure visible policing at key locations and respond swiftly to any emerging threat. He emphasised the need for public outreach and leadership at the ground level, urging station house officers (SHOs) and field officers to remain alert and confident in discharging their duties.
Security managers reviewed arrangements for the principal venues where Independence Day functions will be held and examined deployment patterns for quick response teams and perimeter security. The meetings also considered measures to involve local communities and keep citizens informed about safety protocols during celebrations.
Focus on counter-terror preparedness
Strengthening counter-terrorism preparedness formed a core part of the review. Officers were told to intensify surveillance, share intelligence across districts and keep contingency plans ready. The emphasis on counter-terror measures reflects standard security practice ahead of national events that attract large public gatherings.
- Ranges reviewed: Ropar range (SAS Nagar, Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib) and Patiala range (Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Malerkotla).
- Senior officers present: DGP Gaurav Yadav; DIGs Kuldeep Chahal and Nanak Singh; SSPs of the eight districts.
- Main directives: heightened vigilance, visible policing, strengthened counter-terror readiness, community engagement, rapid response readiness.
| Police Range | Districts Covered |
|---|---|
| Ropar range | SAS Nagar, Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib |
| Patiala range | Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Malerkotla |
Implementation and public reassurance
By underscoring visible policing and field-level leadership, the DGP sought both deterrence and reassurance. Such measures typically include increased patrolling near public venues, checkpoints, frisking arrangements where required, and designated quick reaction teams. The review called for close liaison with intelligence units to pre-empt threats and for prompt dissemination of advisories to local administrations and event organisers.
Officers at the meetings were asked to ensure that security grids around event sites are well-defined and staffed, and that command-and-control arrangements are clear so that responses can be immediate and coordinated in case of any untoward incident.
As the state prepares for Independence Day observances, the DGP’s direction is aimed at a layered security posture combining preventive measures, active patrolling and community interaction to safeguard celebratory gatherings. The meetings in SAS Nagar and Patiala formed part of a broader exercise by police leadership to finalise and synchronise security plans across the state.
The Punjab police will issue further operational advisories and instructions to field units as the Independence Day date nears, officials said.
