KOLKATA: The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) and Kolkata Police on Monday enriched twin lake city Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar front Chhath festival.
Chhath celebration or other festival in the lake is prohibited by the National Green Tribunal and the High Court of Calcutta to protect their biodiversity.
KMDA bamboo scaffolding installed in all the main gate at the lake to deter people Chhath, securing all access points and gaps in the perimeter wall.
KMDA will also arrange bus transportation for people who arrive in a good place for the locations where arrangements have been made for the ritual of Chhath.
Police and officials of KMDA conduct joint inspections of the lake on Monday and discuss the details of crowd control in bodies of water throughout the city.
They also jointly called on all people to celebrate responsibly, stay away from water bodies crowded and avoid bursting firecrackers.
Lalbazar will deploy 4,500 police in 92 Ghats.
A third of this force will be placed in the twin lakes to keep people out.
Local police in south Kolkata have been asked to be present at the location from where a mini-truck set off by people into a body of water to perform Chhath and ensure that they do not go to any of Rabindra Sarobar or Subhas Sarobar.
“We have been told to reach the public and answer their questions about Rabindra Sarobar.
Senior community members responded positively last year and cooperate with us.
They have come up with suggestions and we were constantly in touch with them, “said an officer.
KMDA has been spreading the message about the need to celebrate Chhath in a body of water other than the Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar through street drama.
They were informed about the rules and protocols and alternative arrangements made by KMDA.
traffic police were deployed around the lake have also been asked to transfer the vehicle toward the congregation to another designated Ghats for Chhath.
“We are planning elaborate arrangements in view of the court order,” said joint CP (headquarters) Subhankar Sinha Sarkar.
Police from four police stations – Rabindra Sarobar Lake, Tollygunge and Charu Market – will play a key role in access control at Rabindra Sarobar.
Regardless of the deployment of some DCPS, ACPs and inspectors, police will also use drones and backpacks that will send live feeds to Lalbazar there should be an attempt to disobey.
The situation will continue to be monitored from Lalbazar.
DC (SED) Sudip Sarkar said the CCTV cameras are being set up throughout the lake area.
There will be a special vigilance along the side of Gobindapur and Tollygunge station on the south side of the lake.