Haryana's first Tourist Police Post opens at Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Haryana Police on Sunday, 11 October 2026, inaugurated the state's first Tourist Police Post at the Mata Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula, marking a significant step in dedicated religious-site policing. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini presided over the inauguration, which introduces round-the-clock specialist personnel, a surveillance system, and devotee-centric support facilities at one of Haryana's most-visited pilgrimage destinations.
What the Tourist Police Post Offers
The post is staffed by 20 specially trained police personnel deployed on a 24-hour basis. These officers wear a distinctive uniform, different from the standard Haryana Police dress, so devotees can identify and approach them with ease. Their mandate covers security, guidance, grievance redressal, and on-the-spot assistance — eliminating the need for devotees to travel to separate police stations for minor issues.
Personnel have undergone specialised training covering courteous behaviour, soft skills, effective communication, and sensitivity to the needs of pilgrims arriving from multiple states and linguistic backgrounds. A dedicated surveillance system has also been installed within the temple premises to enhance real-time monitoring.
What Chief Minister Saini Said
Chief Minister Saini, after receiving a detailed briefing from police officers on the post's functioning and security arrangements, described the initiative as essential given the temple's pan-India visitor base. 'A large number of devotees from different states visit Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple to offer prayers,' he said. 'Therefore, it is essential to understand their language, needs and circumstances and provide them with prompt assistance.'
He added that the Tourist Police Post would serve as an effective mechanism to provide pilgrims with a 'safer, smoother and better experience' within the temple premises.
Officials and Context
Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal and Police Commissioner (Panchkula) Pankaj Nain welcomed the Chief Minister at the inauguration. The initiative is positioned as a model for improved policing at religious sites statewide, with the Mata Mansa Devi Temple chosen as the pilot location given its status as a major religious tourism destination drawing devotees from across India.
Significance for Religious Tourism
The move aligns with a broader national push to professionalise pilgrim-site management. Dedicated tourist police units have previously been deployed at prominent temples and heritage sites in states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where such posts have reportedly improved both visitor experience and law-and-order outcomes. Haryana's entry into this space — starting with one of its most prominent temples — signals an intent to scale the model to other religious sites in the state.
Authorities say the post is designed to build trust between law enforcement and devotees, with the long-term aim of bolstering religious tourism and ensuring that pilgrims, regardless of the language they speak or the state they come from, receive consistent, respectful support. How quickly similar posts are extended to other sites in Haryana will be closely watched by both pilgrimage administrators and tourism planners.