Women cops in civvies to CCTVs:Security tops Durga Puja plans

In the wake of various terror attacks,organisers for celebration of Durga Puja are taking no chances with regard to the security of the pandals and those attending the functions.

In the wake of various terror attacks,organisers for celebration of Durga Puja are taking no chances with regard to the security of the pandals and those attending the functions. Most have decided to step up the security at the pandals,in turn toning down the lavishness of the celebrations as funds have been diverted.

As this year there are a lot of security problems,we have cut down on the grand things we planned. More than 20,000 people come to the pandal everyday. Considering that,much of the fund has been diverted for security, said Ashim Banerjee,spokesperson of CR Park,B-Block,Durga Puja Samiti.

To ensure money does not run short for security preparations,most puja committees have decided to keep the themes of the puja simple.

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We have given our pandal a traditional,rural outlook, said Banerjee. He said the committee has ensured that 40 policewomen are at the spot. Arrangements have also been made for metal detectors and fire extinguishers.

We will also have officials inside the pandals in the crowd,dressed as civilians,to make sure that nothing goes wrong, he said.

Most organising committees have invested in CCTV cameras for the pandals. They have also hired private,armed securitymen in collaboration with the Delhi Police.

Elaborate arrangements have been made to provide assistance to the puja samitis in the area. Security is a major concern,as so many people attend the event. Adequate personnel will be deployed in all major areas, said a police officer.

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Pranab Chawdhry,spokesperson of CR Park-Mela Ground,Durga Puja Samiti,said their pandal will have around 50 CCTV cameras,along with 20 trained private officials on duty. They have also arranged for eight machaans,where commandos will be on duty.

Money has also been diverted from the funds meant for cultural and entertainment programmes. From our total budget of Rs 5 lakh,we have diverted most of it towards security this time. Usually,we call bands and performers from Mumbai and Kolkata,but this year we dropped the plan to call performers from Mumbai. It will help keep overcrowding in check,as more people come to attend their concert. We have put up 12 CCTV cameras and 40 volunteers will be on the watch. There will be private security as well, said Devashish Bhowmik,Cultural Secretary,Kali Bari Mandir.

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