City police are on an overdrive to ensure that security during the Durga Puja is foolproof
As Guwahati prepares for Durga Puja festivities, security is at the forefront of public concern after the city faced an IED threat on Independence Day. With more than 450 Puja Committees hosting celebrations this year, the expected massive footfall has prompted city authorities to intensify safety protocols to ensure public protection.
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The police administration, under the jurisdiction of the Police Commissionerate, issued a comprehensive advisory on October 3, detailing security measures for the Puja season. This comes in the wake of the recent IED threat, which alarmed residents and raised serious questions about the city's safety. While the suspected IED devices did not cause any damage, the incident underscored the need for heightened vigilance during large-scale events like Durga Puja.
As the city gears up for Durga Puja, certain challenges have surfaced due to ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction of flyovers, bridges, and roadworks in various parts of Guwahati. These projects have limited available space for both pandals and parking, adding to the logistical complexities the puja committees face this year.
According to the police advisory, no pandals are to be set up on roads to avoid disruptions to public commutes. However, with limited space and high foot traffic, enforcing this rule might pose difficulties, especially in areas under construction.
While the logistical concerns are significant, the overriding issue remains public safety. The IED threat on Independence Day shook the city’s residents and authorities alike, as the explosive devices were only discovered following an anonymous email tip-off. The devices, fortunately, did not detonate, but the incident has led to heightened anxiety among the public about the potential for similar threats during the Puja celebrations.
The city police, however, have sought to reassure the public that security will be robust. Speaking to GPlus, a senior police official noted, “The routine security checks during Puja have always been rigorous, but this year we are stepping it up. Scanners, metal detectors, and an increased presence of officers on the ground will all play a part in strengthening security.”
The official added that Puja committees have been directed to follow strict guidelines, with increased police vigilance to ensure compliance. However, residents are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity immediately. “While the police will be vigilant, public cooperation is crucial in ensuring a safe Puja for everyone,” the official emphasised.
In line with the advisory, police presence will be bolstered by both male and female officers at Puja venues, supported by volunteers from the Puja Committees. Each committee has been asked to submit a list of volunteers to assist with crowd control and other security-related tasks. The goal is to create a collaborative environment where both the police and Puja organisers work together to ensure public safety.
One of the key components of the security plan is the installation of CCTV cameras at Puja venues. Although the police have not made CCTV installation mandatory due to its cost, it remains strongly recommended. "CCTV is an important part of our security measures, but the cost of installation has been a barrier for some committees. Additionally, in previous years, we’ve noticed that some CCTVs were not monitored in real-time, rendering them ineffective,” a senior official commented.
This year, the police have urged Puja Committees to take greater responsibility in monitoring live feeds from the cameras. “We request the members to ensure that someone is always watching the feed so that any suspicious activity can be reported immediately,” the official added.
Given the massive number of devotees expected to participate in the celebrations, traffic management has also been a priority for authorities. Several routes will be redirected to facilitate smoother crowd movement and reduce the risk of overcrowding in key areas. With narrow roads in some localities and ongoing construction work further limiting space, efficient traffic management will be crucial.
Furthermore, designated no-drinking and no-drugs zones have been established around all Puja venues, and public consumption of alcohol or illegal substances will be strictly prohibited. "We want to ensure that the Puja remains a family-friendly, safe environment for everyone,” the senior police official remarked.
In addition to the enhanced police presence, other city departments are stepping up to ensure the safety and smooth running of the Puja celebrations. The Fire and Emergency Services (F&ESS), Health Department, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), and the Inland Water Transport Department (IWT) have all pledged their support.
The Fire and Emergency Services have stationed fire engines at major Puja locations to respond to any potential emergencies. The Health Department will provide medical assistance at key points, while GMC will focus on maintaining cleanliness around pandals. The IWT will manage riverfront areas to ensure public safety for those visiting the Brahmaputra ghats during the festivities.
"The collaboration between departments is essential to make sure that everything runs smoothly,” noted an official from the GMC. “We’ve increased waste collection services and have staff on standby to handle any sanitation issues that arise during the celebrations.”
While the city's authorities are doing their part to ensure a safe and successful Puja, the role of the public cannot be overstated. Following the IED scare, residents are urged to remain alert throughout the celebrations and report any unusual or suspicious behaviour. Anonymous tip lines and contact numbers for senior police officials have been circulated to make reporting easier for the public.
“It’s a team effort. The police can only do so much – we need the public to be our eyes and ears,” the senior police official emphasised. “We want everyone to enjoy the Puja, but not at the cost of safety. If anything looks out of place, report it.”
The IED threat on Independence Day has cast a shadow over Guwahati’s otherwise joyful Durga Puja celebrations, but the city’s police force, supported by volunteers and other government departments, is working tirelessly to ensure that public safety is maintained. With a combination of high visibility policing, community vigilance, and inter-departmental cooperation, authorities are optimistic that this year’s Puja will be celebrated without incident.
However, the success of these measures will ultimately depend on the collective efforts of the authorities and the public alike. As festivities unfold, the importance of remaining alert and prioritising safety cannot be overstated.
