Tripura Police have drawn up an extensive security and traffic management plan for the upcoming Durga Puja, with increased deployment of security personnel, CCTV surveillance, watchtowers, mobile patrols and special measures to deal with emergencies and crowd movement.
DGP (in-charge) G.S. Rao on Thursday said the police were fully prepared to ensure peaceful and incident-free celebrations across the state. He said security arrangements this year would be strengthened further in view of the large number of Puja celebrations and expected crowds.
As of Thursday, 2,905 Puja committees have registered with the authorities, compared with 2,928 registrations last year. Rao said the number could rise further as more applications are being received.
The police are planning a larger deployment of personnel this year. Last year, around 10,000 police and TSR personnel were deployed across the state, and the strength is expected to be increased during this year's festivities.
Surveillance and patrolling will also be intensified. Police will arrange additional vehicles for mobile patrolling, while 180 CCTV cameras are planned at various locations for crowd monitoring. As many as 169 watchtowers will be erected at strategic points to strengthen surveillance.
Agartala, which is expected to witness around 450 Puja celebrations, will receive particular attention. With large crowds already gathering for festive shopping, police have introduced 29 additional bike patrols in areas witnessing heavy footfall.
Rao said police have so far registered five cases related to extortion, against two such cases during the corresponding period last year. He made it clear that strict legal action would be taken if further incidents of extortion are reported.
Traffic management will be another key component of the security arrangements in the capital. Police have prepared plans covering parking, no-entry restrictions, stopping points and transportation. Passes will also be issued for vehicles providing essential services.
A special effort is being made to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles. Rao said the police were working towards creating a green corridor for ambulances and fire-service vehicles, enabling them to move quickly through congested areas whenever required.
As part of the traffic restrictions, no-entry rules will be imposed in the city from 5 pm to 1 am during the Puja period. A 24-hour traffic control room will remain operational to monitor the situation and coordinate traffic management.
Security at railway stations has also been strengthened, with the SP, GRP taking additional measures. Plainclothes police personnel will be deployed to monitor activities and identify potential troublemakers.
Police have also been coordinating closely with Puja committees. Meetings have been conducted with local police stations and organisers to discuss law-and-order arrangements, volunteer deployment and other security-related issues.
This year, police are also planning dedicated deployment of women personnel, with the strength of women police personnel expected to be increased at different locations.
Meanwhile, the police have launched a special anti-drug campaign across Tripura ahead of Durga Puja. The drive is aimed at preventing drug-related activities and maintaining a safe environment during the festive season.
Rao said the combined security, surveillance, traffic and enforcement measures were aimed at ensuring that people across Tripura could celebrate Durga Puja peacefully and without disruption.
