Patna: Around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed across Patna to ensure peaceful Durga Puja celebrations with CCTV cameras, drone surveillance and crowd management measures in place at pandals and sensitive locations.Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma said on Saturday adequate forces had been deployed at Puja venues and other locations witnessing public gatherings and events. Police are monitoring pandals through CCTV cameras and drones, while local control rooms are being used to track the situation and coordinate responses to crowd pressure, he said.“Preparations have been made to ensure that people can celebrate Puja peacefully and comfortably. Police personnel have been deployed at various locations, and CCTV cameras and drones are being used for surveillance,” Sharma said.He said police teams were inspecting puja pandals and conducting flag marches in sensitive and previously identified areas. Fire safety arrangements, including fire extinguishers, have also been made at the venues.“Personnel have been instructed to remain alert and take prompt action to prevent any untoward incident,” the SSP said.The police have also made arrangements for traffic regulation and crowd management, with diversions coming into effect from Saturday evening. Officials will monitor congestion and crowd movement and take steps to manage pressure at busy locations.Addressing the reporters, Sharma said different units, including specialised forces, had been deployed as part of the security arrangements. Police personnel in plain clothes and women police personnel would also be deployed at locations where necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and manage crowds.The SSP appealed to residents to celebrate the festival peacefully, maintain communal harmony and refrain from paying attention to rumours. He also urged people to inform police immediately about any suspicious activity and cooperate with the administration in maintaining law and order.
