Kolkata, July 15 -- Kolkata Police has made elaborate security arrangements for the Ratha Yatra on Thursday by deploying around 2,000 police personnel across the city.
Ahead of the grand festival, Kolkata Police Commissioner (CP) Ajay Nand on Tuesday visited the ISKCON temple on Albert Road to personally review crowd management and public safety measures. He was accompanied by senior officers, including Additional Commissioner (I) Devendra Prakash Singh. Speaking to mediapersons, the CP said, "This is a very old Ratha Yatra. We have scrutinised the security arrangements along its route. We have also discussed crowd control."
It has been learnt that the city police have been placed on high alert to ensure safety and security during the festival. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and Heavy Radio Flying Squad (HRFS) vans will be stationed at strategic locations across the city. In addition, drones will be deployed for real-time aerial surveillance along the Ratha Yatra routes.
According to sources, more than 80 Ratha Yatras are scheduled to be held across the city, including the largest procession organised by ISKCON, which will commence from Hungerford Street.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Traffic Police has advised citizens to keep extra time in hand while travelling, as traffic diversions may be enforced wherever necessary for specific periods in areas where Ratha Yatras are being held.
Local police stations have also been instructed to maintain close surveillance at the fairs organised on the occasion of Ratha Yatra.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.