Cops Tighten Watch: With Durga Puja festivities around the corner, police in Salt Lake have heightened their vigil on parking areas and pandal exits to ensure smooth crowd management and prevent untoward incidents. The move comes in response to the massive footfall expected in the satellite township during the festival and the increasing concerns over traffic congestion, overcrowding, and security vulnerabilities.
Rising Concerns Over Parking Chaos
Salt Lake, home to some of Kolkata’s most visited pandals, draws lakhs of visitors every year. As parking lots and roadside areas fill up with vehicles, traffic often comes to a standstill, creating inconvenience for residents and emergency responders alike. Officials said that this year, stricter measures have been put in place to monitor parking spaces near major pandals such as FD Block, BJ Block, and other popular locations.
Police have deployed additional personnel to regulate the entry and exit of vehicles. “We are focusing on preventing illegal parking and ensuring that emergency lanes remain clear,” a senior officer from Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate said. Tow-away vans will also be stationed in sensitive zones to immediately remove vehicles that block access routes.
For residents, who often find their apartment gates blocked by vehicles during Puja nights, the tightened watch is being seen as a welcome step.
For a broader look at how Indian cities are struggling with urban parking challenges, see this NITI Aayog report on sustainable urban transport.
Crowd Management at Pandal Exits
While parking remains a logistical challenge, crowd management at pandal exits poses an even greater risk. With pandals in Salt Lake competing in grandeur, the rush of visitors—particularly during weekends and Ashtami night—can cause dangerous overcrowding.
This year, police have worked closely with puja committees to create designated entry and exit points and install barricades for better flow of visitors. CCTV cameras have been installed at many pandals, and quick response teams will be stationed at strategic locations to handle emergencies.
Authorities have also urged puja organizers to ensure proper lighting at exits and arrange volunteer teams to guide visitors. “A few minutes of chaos at the exit can spiral into a stampede-like situation. That is why we are insisting on coordinated crowd dispersal plans,” the officer added.
To understand how India has dealt with large-crowd disasters in the past, you can read about crowd management strategies and safety measures by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Role of Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate
The Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, which has jurisdiction over Salt Lake and its adjoining areas, has drawn up a detailed action plan. Apart from pandal-specific measures, they will also intensify patrolling in residential neighborhoods to check for burglary attempts during the festival. Drone surveillance may also be used in certain high-density pockets to get a bird’s-eye view of traffic and crowd conditions.
Helpline numbers have been circulated through posters and social media so that residents and visitors can immediately alert police in case of suspicious activity.
Collaboration with Puja Committees
Local puja committees, many of which spend crores of rupees on themed pandals and decorations, are cooperating with police instructions. Organizers of some big-budget pujas in Salt Lake said they have already hired private security personnel to work alongside the police. “We want the celebrations to be joyous but safe. Visitors’ safety is as important as the artistic value of the pandal,” a puja committee member said.
This model is inspired by smart city projects in India that promote data-driven urban management. Learn more at Smart Cities Mission India.
Cops Tighten Watch: Lessons from Past Years
The stepped-up vigilance comes after repeated complaints in previous years regarding haphazard parking and unruly crowds. In some cases, fire engines faced difficulty accessing narrow lanes due to illegally parked vehicles. Authorities are determined to avoid such bottlenecks this year.
The crowd surge during Puja has also raised concerns about women’s safety, with police setting up special watch points near exits and dark corners.
Digital Solutions for Visitors
To make the festival experience smoother, Bidhannagar Police are encouraging people to use Google Maps-based advisories to avoid heavily congested routes. Real-time traffic updates are being shared through the Kolkata Police and Bidhannagar Police social media handles. Visitors are also being advised to opt for app-based cabs or shuttle services instead of bringing private vehicles into already choked areas.
Voices from Residents and Visitors
Local residents have expressed cautious optimism. “Every year, we suffer from sleepless nights because vehicles block our gates. This time, if police are serious about towing and fines, it will make a huge difference,” said a resident of FD Block.
On the other hand, pandal-hoppers are concerned about inconvenience due to tighter rules. “We understand security is important, but we also hope police don’t make it too difficult to park or move around,” said a visitor who travels from Howrah to see Salt Lake pandals.
Broader Urban Implications
Experts say that the Salt Lake experience highlights the urgent need for better urban festival planning in Kolkata. With the city hosting one of the largest public festivals in the world, its infrastructure often struggles to cope. The annual Durga Puja crowds not only affect traffic but also strain civic amenities like electricity, water, and waste management.
“Security arrangements cannot just be temporary. We need long-term planning, including designated festival parking zones, pedestrian-only stretches, and better use of public transport during Puja days,” said an urban planner from Jadavpur University.
Conclusion
Durga Puja is not just a festival but a cultural extravaganza that puts Kolkata on the global map. Salt Lake, with its sprawling layout and iconic pandals, remains a magnet for visitors. The tightened watch on parking spaces and pandal exits is part of a broader effort to strike a balance between safety, convenience, and celebration.
As the countdown to Puja continues, all eyes are now on how effectively these measures will work once the grand festivities begin.
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
