Kolkata: Kolkata Police has begun preparations for Durga Puja with officers-in-charge of all police stations being directed to prepare detailed lists of big-ticket pujas, including their themes and pandal layouts, and draw up crowd-flow plans to prevent overcrowding and accidents during the festive season.The directives were issued at a virtual meeting between police commissioner Ajay Nand, OCs and senior Lalbazar officers on Friday. Officers have been asked to assess the expected footfall of major pujas at the time of construction of pandals itself for finalising crowd-management measures and traffic arrangements well in advance.Police sources said OCs have been told to discuss crowd management plans with puja committees and ensure that pandals have separate entry and exit routes.Visitors will not be encouraged to remain in the pandals for prolonged periods.Cops will not prevent photography inside the pandals but visitors will be discouraged from creating congestion. Divisional deputy commissioners will meet puja organisers to finalise arrangements. If necessary, cops will also train volunteers and security personnel deployed by the committees in crowd management. The police commissioner has also asked OCs to obtain details of themes and layouts. The directive comes amid a recent controversy over alleged attempts by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to influence Durga Puja themes and practices in Kolkata.At an Aug 26 meeting in Salt Lake, VHP functionaries had urged organisers and priests to adhere to traditional Sanatani norms and avoid “distorted” or experimental depictions of the Goddess. Motorists will not be allowed to slow down or halt their vehicles near pandals. Additional personnel will be deployed outside Metro stations for streamlining crowd flow. Cops will ensure that footpaths aren’t encroached, besides safety measures for pedestrians.Kolkata Police will coordinate with Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and KMDA to look after issues related to street lights, roads, and trees.An officer said cops would assess changes in the scale of pujas and crowd management following the change in the state’s political scene.
