Ahead of the Janmashtami celebrations, the Allahabad High Court has taken steps to enhance safety and crowd management at the revered Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan. The court has authorized live broadcasting of prayers inside the temple from August 25 to 29, aiming to improve crowd control following a near-stampede incident last year during the festival.
The live-streaming facility will only be accessible inside the temple, allowing authorities to monitor and regulate the influx of devotees. This initiative aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure a safe and orderly environment for worshippers. However, the court has prohibited live-streaming outside the temple following objections raised by advocate Sankalp Goswami.
The Allahabad High Court has also allowed the installation of CCTV cameras within the temple premises. This decision was made in consultation with the Civil Judge, Junior Division, Mathura. The court emphasized that the district magistrate must follow the directives of the civil judge regarding the CCTV camera installations.
The order to allow live broadcasting and CCTV cameras comes after a public interest litigation (PIL) petition was filed by Anant Sharma and another individual from Mathura. The Uttar Pradesh government, in response, presented its plans for renovating and developing the temple premises. The government has proposed the development of a corridor around the temple, encompassing a five-acre land purchase to provide better facilities for devotees. This initiative aims to create a more organized and efficient space for managing the large crowds that gather during religious festivals like Janmashtami.
The Allahabad High Court’s decision reflects a proactive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees during the upcoming Janmashtami celebrations. The combination of live broadcasting, CCTV cameras, and improved infrastructure aims to create a more organized and secure environment for worshippers at the Bankey Bihari temple.
