Birbhum, 22 December (H.S.): The traditional Poush Utsav begins in Santiniketan. Organized on the initiative of Visva-Bharati staff, the festival will see participation from students, teachers, alumni, and senior ashram residents, in accordance with tradition. Santiniketan's historic Poush Mela is also starting on Tuesday at Purvapalli grounds and will continue until December 28. The district police administration has made extensive security arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents.
Hotels, lodges, resorts, and homestays in Bolpur-Santiniketan are already fully booked due to the Poush Mela. The administration is on high alert.
According to Visva-Bharati sources, approximately 1300 stalls have been booked so far, and this number is expected to increase to 1500-1700. Special emphasis is being laid on pollution control and plastic waste management, in compliance with court directives. Visva-Bharati Vice-Chancellor Amit Hazra said that the stall booking has received a good response and extra space has been allocated in the grounds for fire safety arrangements. All necessary arrangements have been made keeping in mind the convenience of the visitors.
For six days, artists from various districts of West Bengal will present cultural programmes on the fair's entertainment stage.
Several important decisions have also been taken regarding security and traffic management. Bolpur Additional Superintendent of Police Rana Mukhopadhyay said that a joint meeting of Bolpur Municipality, Toto Union, and the police administration decided that a rate chart for e-rickshaws (Totos) will be displayed at approximately 10 major locations in the city. A fare of Rs. 15 per kilometer per passenger has been fixed during the Poush Mela. No bikes or cars will be allowed inside the fair premises. Only vehicles with passes will be allowed to ply on designated routes. A police control room and several drop gates have also been set up for filing complaints. Bolpur SDPO Ricky Agarwal said that approximately 2,500 police personnel will be deployed, led by officers of the Additional Superintendent of Police, SDPO, and DSP ranks. This force includes women police officers, RAF (Rapid Action Force) personnel, plainclothes police officers, an anti-crime team, and a special rescue team. In addition to the 200 permanent CCTV cameras already installed in the Bolpur-Santiniketan area for security surveillance, 300 temporary cameras are being installed at the fairgrounds and entry points. Five high-tech drone cameras will also be used for monitoring.
Thirty-six police assistance centers, 10 watchtowers, and 8 drop gates have been set up at the fair. A child-friendly corner has been established for the safety of children. Considering the possibility of children getting lost, arrangements have been made to provide them with cards bearing their parents' phone numbers to wear around their necks. Toto services and emergency ambulances will also be available for elderly and disabled visitors.
Overall, the administration's preparations to make the traditional Poush Utsav and Poush Mela in Santiniketan safe, well-organized, and enjoyable are in their final stages.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
