Will help tackle protests but avoid RG Kar conflict, police tell clubs
Times of India | 26 September 2024
Kolkata: The city police have assured Durga Puja organisers of all cooperation in tackling challenging situations should they arise inside or near the pandals during the festival. The Kolkata Police force, led by the commissioner, was on Wednesday responding to concerns expressed during the coordination meeting by organisers of two south Kolkata pujas on how to handle the situation if street protests are held during the festival.
Asked about the fears expressed by some puja organisers, police commissioner Manoj Varma said, “We have factored in all aspects while planning. I do not wish to delve into the specifics. We have planned based on inputs. We are confident that Pujas will conducted in the same manner as it has always been done in the past years.”
Sources said cops had advised puja organisers to avoid any direct confrontation with protesters. They further said all OCs have been instructed to speak to organizers on the issue and assess the ground condition. Lalbazar is tight-lipped on whether there will be extra deployment at pandals in anticipation of protests.
Other organizers on their part stressed on the need to avoid creating any perceptions based “merely on hype”. Forum for Durgotsav president Kajal Sarkar said they were confident that the festive mood will set in from Mahalaya. “Durga Puja is also a festival that now generates a turnover of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. It is important that we understand the spirit. People here love Durga Puja. We are confident nothing will be done that will hamper its spirit,” he said.
Commissioner Verma, who has served as DCP Traffic in Kolkata, is aware of puja challenges. With technology leading to a major evolution in policing since the time he was in charge of traffic management, he is confident the force will be capable of handling all challenges.
A few organizers — including Chetla Agrani — raised the issues of rogue bikers roaming the roads post 2 am and of securing the five entrances and exits around the pandal, a demand similar to the one made last time. The top brass assured that crackdowns will continue against such riders. Cops said around 40 cameras will be installed in and around Chetla to nab the rowdies.
At least two organizers spoke about issues of setting up billboards that saw local resistance around Bijon Setu. The DC (SED) office has been asked to look into the issue. Haridevpur’s 41 Pally batted for setting up a dedicated website for pandal hopping, complete with a route map and travel plans. At least one central Kolkata organizer — winner of multiple awards in the past — insisted on better crowd circulation, claiming their puja was located a long distance from the main roads.
A representative of the pollution control board said they want to develop a mechanism whereby flexes can be disposed of in a manner that they do not pollute the environment. A collection process was also discussed with cops playing the role of facilitator.
Organizers also said they want cops to concentrate on traffic management at various choke points — all through the day and night — and control the parking menace, especially after midnight.
“We would suggest all effort be made to ensure movement towards Behala through Buroshibtala remains smooth. Similarly, movement towards Chetla Agrani through Durgapur Bridge or our approach from Tollygunge Phanri need attention as we expect a large turnout through the day and night,” said an organizer.