By IANS,
Kolkata : Security arrangements have been beefed up across Kolkata for the four-day long Durga puja festival beginning here Sep 25.
Keeping in mind the huge crowds that congregate at various places across the city during the festive season, the Kolkata police are setting up watch towers on rooftops and balconies near major puja pandals (marquees) to keep a close eye on the pandal hoppers.
“At least 39 watch towers will be set up at vital points and important crossings in and around the city. This apart, more than 90 CCTVs (closed-circuit televisions) will be installed at big puja pandals in Kolkata,” Kolkata Police Joint Commissioner (Headquarters) Jawed Shamim told IANS.
“We are taking all necessary security measures to facilitate the pandal hoppers who will come to Kolkata during Durga puja,” Shamim said.
“Besides setting up watch towers and CCTVs, there will be quick response teams, emergency medical teams and an adequate number of ambulances available for round the clock security during the festivity,” he added.
There are 1,125 Durga puja pandals this year across Kolkata.
West Bengal is now in festive mode with thousands of big and small Durga pujas being held in every nook and corner of the city, smaller towns and villages across the state.
Durga puja starts on Sep 25 and ends Sep 28 with the immersion of Goddess Durga and her pantheon in rivers and other water bodies.