Considering the planned movement of VVIPs and foreign delegates in connection with the G20 summit in the Lakshmanjhula area of the district, the Pauri police on Friday declared the area as a zero zone on May 23 and 24. The senior superintendent of police of Pauri Shweta Choubey said that the main event is scheduled to be held at Swargashram in Rishikesh on May 24. She said that Ganga Aarti will also be organised at Parmarth Niketan Ghat in Rishikesh as part of the G-20 conference on the same day considering which the police have made tight security arrangements. She said that the police will deploy sufficient force to ensure safety during the event that includes one bomb disposal squad, three teams of water police, five assistant superintendents of police, eight circle officers, 10 station house officers and inspectors, 47 sub-inspectors, 10 women sub-inspectors and 206 constables among others. She said that the police have divided the Lakshmanjhula area into five zones and 10 sectors to ensure proper security arrangements during the event. The police will rehearse security preparations ahead of the main event due to which the said area will remain a zero zone on May 23 too. She said that on May 24, the whole area will remain a zero zone from 1 PM to 10:30 PM. The SSP also held a meeting with local citizens and merchants of the area to make them aware of restrictions and guidelines ahead of the event. She also directed the police officials to raise awareness among people regarding zero zone in the area and other restrictions due to the G20 summit to avoid inconvenience to them.
