In a decisive move aimed at maintaining law and order, internet bulk SMS services in Nuh, Haryana have been suspended for 24 hours on Monday, July 14, during the Brajmandal Jalabhishek Yatra. The district administration and law enforcement agencies are operating in high-alert mode, with multi-layered security strategies spanning air, land, and water surveillance.
Tightened Security Measures Ahead of the Yatra
The Brajmandal Jalabhishek Yatra, a significant religious event held on the first Monday of Sawan, is expected to attract large crowds at three historically revered Pandava-era temples: Nalhar Mahadev, Jhirkeshwar Mahadev (Firozpur Jhirka), and Shringeshwar Temple (Singar). With the possibility of dignitaries including ministers and MLAs attending, the Home Department of Haryana has taken stringent preventive measures.
The Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department issued a directive enforcing a 24-hour ban on internet and SMS-based communication services, a move intended to deter the spread of misinformation and to preempt any untoward incidents.
Water, Land, and Aerial Surveillance in Full Force
A comprehensive security blueprint has been activated. According to ADGP (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar and IG Nazneen Bhasin, a meeting held at the Mini Secretariat outlined instructions to ensure a peaceful and smooth Yatra.
The officials emphasized direct communication between officers and local communities. Every officer has been directed to stay present in their respective jurisdictions, engage with residents, and monitor sensitive zones.
The surveillance extends to:
Land: Checkpoints established at all entry and exit points, patrolling intensified across urban and rural sectors.
Sky: Night vision drones deployed for aerial monitoring, providing real-time footage to command centers.
Water: Nearby water bodies are under surveillance to avoid any potential risk zones.
Search Operations Intensified in Hilly Terrain
To secure the terrain bordering the pilgrimage routes, special orders have been issued for nighttime patrolling and search operations in hilly areas, historically known for limited visibility and potential risk elements.
A total of 22 security contingents are currently active across the district. The forces deployed include:
State Police and Paramilitary Units
Mounted Police
Dog Squads
Bomb Disposal Units
Special Task Forces
Night Surveillance Drone Teams
This deployment ensures no route, path, or access point remains unmonitored during the procession.
Ban on Meat, Fish, and Public Gatherings Enforced
In adherence to religious sentiments and administrative discipline, District Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena has imposed a temporary ban under Section 163 on:
Display, handling, and sale of meat and fish
Use of firecrackers
Flying of drones
Unlawful public gatherings
This ban is specifically applicable to the vicinity of the three pilgrimage sites and the surrounding urban areas. Enforcement teams began operations on Sunday to remove open meat vendors and unauthorized stalls in key areas such as Ambedkar Chowk.
Duty Magistrates and Village-Level Coordinators Mobilized
To ensure seamless execution and on-ground command, 24 duty magistrates have been designated across the district, with 12 more in reserve for any emergency deployment. Moreover, the administrative machinery has delegated responsibilities to Patwaris, Gram Sachivs, and Sarpanchs to act as liaison officers in their respective villages.
These local representatives are tasked with:
Monitoring gatherings
Reporting unusual activities
Providing crowd estimates
Maintaining inter-village coordination
Joint Flag March Signals Strength and Unity
On the eve of the Yatra, a joint flag march was conducted in the heart of Nuh city by personnel from the local police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF). The show of strength is aimed at reassuring residents and pilgrims of the state’s preparedness and zero-tolerance stance on violence or disruption.
The march covered:
Market zones
Bus stands and transit points
Religious hotspots
Sensitive lanes and by-lanes
This preemptive strategy serves a dual purpose — deterrence and community confidence.
Communication Blackout to Curb Misinformation and Mobilization
The 24-hour suspension of bulk SMS and mobile internet services is a calculated countermeasure to prevent the spread of inflammatory content, rumors, or mobilization through social media platforms.
This action also aligns with recent trends in digital crowd control, where mobile networks are selectively restricted during large-scale public events or high-risk gatherings.
The ban includes:
Social media messaging
Mass SMS campaigns
Broadcast alerts via third-party apps
Internet-based communication like WhatsApp and Telegram
While regular voice calls remain operational, residents have been advised to refrain from sharing unverified updates.
Administrative Confidence in Peaceful Yatra
Despite the strict protocols, the administration exudes confidence in the success and sanctity of the Brajmandal Jalabhishek Yatra. Collaborative support from local communities, religious leaders, and civil society organizations plays a pivotal role in upholding harmony.
Emergency control rooms and quick response teams (QRTs) are on standby throughout the district to intervene promptly if required. Also, live monitoring hubs have been set up in central command units for rapid decision-making.
The pilgrimage, rooted in ancient tradition, is not only a matter of faith but also a reflection of the communal fabric of the region, which the administration aims to preserve.
Route Diversions and Public Transport Alerts
Commuters and pilgrims are advised to note temporary traffic diversions in the following zones:
Nalhar Mahadev Road
Jhirkeshwar Mandir Marg
Firozpur Jhirka Bus Terminal
Singar Village Outposts
Public transport will run at reduced frequency in sensitive areas, and parking zones have been moved to peripheral locations with shuttle services in operation for pilgrims.
All transporters, auto operators, and public vehicle drivers have been briefed on alternate routes and instructed to follow administrative advisories strictly.
Conclusion: Commitment to Peace, Faith, and Public Safety
With a strategic blend of preventive measures, administrative vigilance, and technological deployment, the Haryana government and police departments have positioned themselves to manage the Brajmandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Nuh with maximum efficiency.
As thousands of devotees prepare to participate in this sacred event, the state’s firm stance on law and order, along with collaborative public cooperation, underscores its dedication to ensuring a peaceful, safe, and spiritually enriching experience for all.