kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The Durga Puja approaches, police authorities in Kolkata and Bidhannagar have commenced early inspections of Durga Puja pandals to assess preparedness and ensure adherence to safety and crowd management protocols. With less than 40 days remaining until Mahalaya, these proactive measures aim to address potential challenges and enhance the overall experience for devotees and visitors.

On Monday, senior officers from Bidhannagar City Police, including deputy and assistant commissioners, conducted visits to several major Durga Puja venues in Salt Lake and Dum Dum Park. Notable locations inspected included Salt Lake's AK, BJ, and FD blocks, as well as Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha and Dum Dum Park Tarun Dal. During these visits, organizers were reminded of mandatory guidelines, such as avoiding the use of laser lights, establishing separate entry and exit channels, and preparing detailed crowd management plans.

An officer involved in the inspections noted, "Last year, multiple pandals in the township drew a large number of visitors, which made both traffic and crowd management challenging. This year, we have started inspections early. More visits and meetings will follow in the coming weeks."

At AK Block, organizers were instructed to ensure that entry and exit pathways are sufficiently wide and that the ground remains dry to prevent difficulties during emergencies. The police also inquired about the themes of the pandals and the arrangements for traffic management.

Kolkata, officers-in-charge have submitted preparatory reports to Lalbazar, covering themes, crowd estimates, and inauguration timelines. High-priority areas include central Kolkata, with prominent pandals like Md Ali Park, College Square, and Santosh Mitra Square undergoing revised crowd circulation plans. Contingency strategies are being developed depending on local train service availability to manage pedestrian flow effectively.

The initiative, led by deputy commissioners, aims to tackle anticipated challenges such as heavy rainfall and increased crowds through systematic traffic and parking arrangements. More visits and planning meetings are scheduled in the coming weeks to further refine Puja preparations.

This proactive approach underscores the commitment of Kolkata and Bidhannagar police to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of Durga Puja celebrations, addressing potential challenges well in advance of the festivities.