Kolkata Police is increasing surveillance across the city’s narrow lanes and bylanes during Dol and Holi celebrations, as complaints of indecency and illegal activities are often reported from these areas rather than major roads.
According to police sources, several narrow lanes under different police station jurisdictions will be placed under strict monitoring during the two-day festival period. Additional police pickets will also be stationed at multiple locations on Tuesday and Wednesday to prevent reckless bike riding and ensure public safety.
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Officials at Lalbazar, the headquarters of Kolkata Police, have instructed all units to maintain heightened vigilance so that the celebrations are not disrupted by disorder or unlawful activities.
Extra patrols, plainclothes surveillance and flyover restrictions
Police officials said that during Holi, incidents of traffic violations, drunken driving and reckless bike riding without helmets are frequently reported. Taking lessons from previous years, authorities have introduced additional precautionary measures this time.
The publication of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter list last Saturday has also created underlying tensions in some parts of the city during the festival period. Police are therefore paying special attention to maintaining peace in sensitive areas.
Sources said that important and sensitive zones have been identified, and Deputy Commissioner-rank officers have been assigned specific security responsibilities. Increased PCR van patrols and motorcycle patrols will operate under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner-level officers.
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Plainclothes police personnel will also be deployed to monitor crowd behaviour and respond quickly to any disturbance.
Authorities have further decided that motorcycles will not be allowed on certain flyovers during specified hours over the two festival days.
Police have also taken steps to prevent accidents near water bodies. After playing with colours, many people visit ponds, lakes and river ghats to bathe, and drowning incidents have occurred in the past, particularly when individuals are intoxicated. To prevent such tragedies, police personnel will remain deployed near ponds, river ghats and other water bodies across the city.
