Unprecedented security measures in place for Kali Puja and immersion in Kolkata

Kolkata is set to witness an unparalleled security cover on Sunday during Kali Puja, extending into Monday for the idol immersion ceremony, according to city officials. A total of 5,000 police personnel will be deployed on the streets of Kolkata on Sunday, with an additional 1,000 expected on Monday for the immersion procession. Special security arrangements will be in place at prominent Kali Temples in the city during these two days, with a significant police contingent operating under the supervision of 21 deputy commissioner and 35 assistant commissioner officers.

The city police have taken proactive measures, forming local-level committees in collaboration with housing complexes and high-rise buildings to prevent the use of rooftops for banned firecrackers. Vigilant since November 2, the police have conducted extensive raids and search operations, resulting in the seizure of several kilograms of banned firecrackers.

Concurrently, environmentalists are advocating for immediate regulations on Chinese fire-lanterns, which have gained popularity during Kali Puja and Diwali in recent years. Environmentalist S.M. Ghosh emphasized the dangers of polluting mid-air lanterns, calling for mandatory safety permissions from the fire service department for events involving large numbers of sky lanterns.