Kolkata: Swelling of revelers at various recreational points of the city before Christmas has raised concerns between the authorities after the threat of Omicron, the new Varian Covid-19.
Thousands of people who rejoiced, many of them from the district, have visited winter hot spots such as Victoria, Maidan, Alipore Zoo, Indian Museum, New Market and Christmas Carnival at Park Street even before Christmas Eve.
The surge of the crowd has encouraged the authorities to take the relook to the steps to handle in a hurry on holidays.
The police said they would hold more police personnel and volunteers to control the crowd and ensure that it did not become uncontrollably at any time of time.
They have begun to make arrangements such as installing barricades and making provisions of thermal scanning and sanititis.
But personally, they acknowledge that no one will work once a few thousand people who reject thousands.
An Alipore Zoo official said footsteps had soared since the last week and has risen in run-up to Christmas.
“The weather has been conducive, and people move from outside for months.
It can be a high foot reason for the past few days.
But more people are expected to visit Christmas and New Year,” the official said.
Authorities have established a barricade to separate the crowd.
“If the crowd increases inside, we might need to stop the entry for some time and wait for a place to clean.” Victoria Memorial, St Paul and Maidan Cathedral are other hot places for parties in this section throughout the year.
The Indian Museum also attracts many visitors.
“We scan the temperature and insist on sanitation.
Only those wearing masks will enter but when many people enter the place, it is difficult to track everyone.
But our guards will supervise,” said an official.
Pasar Baru too, witness a surge in visitors with long queues outside of shops that sell cakes, candy, christmas decorations and meat parts.
“Senior officers will be present at all this place along with officers from the local police station and even reserve troops.
The idea is to keep people moving so it is not too crowded,” said a senior police officer.