The Kathmandu police have drawn up a special security plan for the upcoming Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals, with 3,506 police personnel to be deployed across the capital.

The plan is aimed at preventing crime and accidents during the festive period, when large crowds, increased travel and people leaving their homes unattended can create additional security risks, according to Superintendent of Police Dan Bahadur Thapa of the Kathmandu District Police Range.

“Some 3,506 police personnel will be deployed in Kathmandu during this period. Reserve teams from higher offices will also be mobilised if needed,” Thapa said. “We have also identified several locations as sensitive areas for the festival period.”

Religious sites including Pashupatinath, Guhyeshwari and Dakshinkali, as well as crowded commercial areas such as New Road, Asan, Koteshwar and Kalanki, have been designated as sensitive. Shopping malls, jewellery shops, government and private offices, and ATMs are also on the list.

Police say the risk of theft, pickpocketing, robbery, threats, gambling and circulation of counterfeit currency could rise during the festivals. They are also preparing for fraud involving intoxicating substances mixed into drinks, accidents caused by firecrackers and drink-driving, and the sale of counterfeit tickets.

Security will also be stepped up around goat markets, where crowds are expected to increase ahead of Dashain.

“We are identifying potential crimes and risks and preparing in advance,” Thapa said. “We will strengthen patrols, surveillance, checks and police presence in sensitive areas to prevent offences. We are also preparing checkpoints, searches and special operations, and will take action against anyone involved in activities prohibited by law.”

Police will make greater use of technology, including CCTV cameras and drones. Trained dogs from the police canine unit will also be deployed for security checks.

Passenger help desks will be set up at Kalanki, Koteshwar, Gaushala, Gongabu Bus Park, Balkhu, Nagdhunga, Balaju Bypass, Sitapaila and Jorpati, among other locations, as part of the festival security arrangements.