City pandals step up security ahead of Puja

The famous Kali Mandir in C R Park is an important centre of convergence during Durga Puja. This year, special arrangements have been made for security with Delhi Police, Civil Defence and Home Guard personnel stationed at the temple. Six CCTV cameras have been installed at various points in the temple. Sniffer dogs are also being used for the first time.

“The temple is elevated, which provides it with a natural boundary. We have also taken care to ensure there are two separate entries for residents and the general public,” Anita Haldar, reception committee co-convenor at Kali Mandir, said.

C R PARK (K BLOCK)

The pandal at K block, famous for winning the award for best idol the last three years in a row, has chosen a historical theme from Harappa and Mohenja-Daro to do up its idols. Security arrangements here include personnel from the Delhi Police and private security guards. Four machans have been set up at four points of the pandal. In addition to barricades, there are separate entries for residents and the general public, with a separate exit. Provision has also been made for an emergency exit, along with a special entry for VIPs.

C R PARK (B BLOCK)

Security has been tightened at the B block pandal with more than 125 private security guards and more than 50 personnel of the Delhi Police. “Apart from eight CCTV cameras, four machans have also been set up in the four corners of the pandal,” Inspector Sanjay Kumar Singh said. Besides the main entry, there are separate entries for volunteers and vendors.

Significantly, this year the Durga Puja committee of B Block has decided not to call any crowd pulling celebrities. “We have called performers from Kolkata instead to avoid any rush beyond our capacity,” Ashim Banerjee, organising committee president, said.

MINTO ROAD PUJA SAMITI

“We have made security arrangements as per the crowd expected and will strengthen the arrangements if more people come in,” Duty Officer Bodh Raj said. Security has been reinforced with a machan opposite the main gate, 10 CCTV cameras, four hand-held metal detectors and two doorframe detectors. There are two points for entry and exit, with an emergency exit also in place. “We have invited ex-contestants from the Sare Ga Ma Pa music show and performers from Kolkata,” D K Bose, samiti president, said.