Extra deployment, security audit to help cops tackle festive rush at tourist hot spots
Times of India | 16 December 2024
12 Kolkata: With Kolkata Traffic Police handling over 1.5 lakh additional pedestrians at traditional Christmas hot spots like Park Street, Victoria Memorial, Alipore zoo, and Science City from this weekend till the end of the year, multiple measures have been taken to ensure cops can keep mishaps at bay. Lalbazar has asked for a security audit to be carried out for these winter hot spots. A separate traffic and security arrangement will be in place for Park Street, where celebrations will kick off from Dec 19 with chief minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurating the Christmas carnival there.
The many solutions include added deployment on weekends, systematic parking, and stopping encroachers from taking over pavements. At certain spots where other options are unavailable, pedestrian movement will be guided through specific channels and drop gates. Several localised solutions were also discussed that will be specific to each point, sources said.
On Saturday, the biggest preparation was in place in and around Alipore zoo, which saw a sizeable turnover.
"While the zoo authorities are operating additional entry and exit gates, we are pushing for greater online ticketing and removal of vendors from the main gate. We also plan to restrict the number of buses originating from here so that there is no spilling over of visitors on to roads. In addition, we are deploying men at the two ends of the FOB there to ensure there is no stampede-like situation. Crossovers must happen through FOB with the zebra crossing near National Library used in extreme cases," an officer said, adding they plan to meet zoo authorities.
Traffic guards have been told to ramp up presence on JL Nehru Road and Maidan and set up need-based drop gates at spots that saw multiple pedestrian deaths in the second half of this year. "We have identified 15-20 spots around Maidan where we will keep men during the peak evening hours to ensure there is no jaywalking. Action is being taken for illegal parking around Maidan," an officer said.
At Science City, additional barricading will be in place at the gates to ensure pedestrians enter correct channels. "WBTC has told us they will reschedule bus routes to cover most winter hot spots till Jan 1," an officer said.
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