The countdown to this year’s Durga Puja has begun. Every year, countless pandal-hoppers flock to different decorated puja pandals in the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. People around the world have, time and again, stated that Durga Puja is the biggest occasion of art installations. The role of the police during those four days of celebrations is of immense significance. In recent years, under the West Bengal government, a big carnival before the immersion of the idols has also grabbed the attention of one and all.
Incidentally, Howrah has also come up with exquisitely skilled display of puja pandals. Pandal-hoppers, from the districts, as well as from Kolkata, also flock the pandals in Howrah.
Expecting a huge crowd and the need for constant monitoring of security and fire safety, Howrah Police have begun reviewing the ground map for this year’s Pujas. Under the able leadership of Gaurav Sharma, Commissioner of Police, Howrah, police officials visited the puja pandals on Wednesday. Not only did they review crowd management plans, safety measures and illumination, but also interacted with the puja organisers and listened to their suggestions.
Moreover, Sharma himself distributed cheques of Rs25,000 to the puja organisers of the Bantra police station area. At the same time, all women Durga Puja organisers were given Rs30,000 by the Howrah Police Commissionerate.
