West Bengal, 10 October (H.S.): With Mahalaya marking the beginning of Devipaksha, Chandannagar Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Yadav inspected several Durga Puja pandals in Serampore to review the final preparations and security arrangements ahead of the festival.

The police commissioner, accompanied by Serampore Deputy Commissioner of Police Any Biswas and other senior officers, inspected the century-old Durga Puja at RMS Maidan near Serampore railway station. With the possibility of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visiting the puja, police have begun making special security arrangements. The team reviewed entry and exit routes, crowd movement and overall safety measures at the venue.

Police Commissioner Yadav said that more than 1,700 Durga Pujas are being organised across the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate area this year, compared with 1,558 last year. Police officers, along with personnel from the electricity and fire services departments, are inspecting puja venues to ensure adequate arrangements.

He said traffic management would be a major priority during the festival. All puja committees have been instructed to ensure 100 per cent CCTV coverage at their venues. The installation of overhead gates or structures on state and national highways will not be permitted without approval from the Public Works Department.

The police are also scrutinising applications submitted by puja organisers, including checking land-related disputes and reviewing safety arrangements. The commissioner expressed hope that coordinated inspections and advance planning would help ensure a smooth and trouble-free Durga Puja across the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey