Drones, CCTV and special patrols to secure Chhath ghats in Jamshedpur
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, November 14: Security arrangements are being strengthened at Chhath ghats across urban and rural areas of East Singhbhum, with…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, November 14: Security arrangements are being strengthened at Chhath ghats across urban and rural areas of East Singhbhum, with police deploying drones, CCTV cameras and specialised patrol teams to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Sensitive locations, deep-water stretches and identified danger zones will receive special attention. Bike patrol teams, Shakti Commandos and Tango Mobile units will remain on the move to monitor security and assist devotees.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), East Singhbhum, Ehtesham Waquarib, reviewed the preparations through a video conference with all deputy superintendents of police and police station and outpost in-charges on Saturday. He directed officers to ensure comprehensive security arrangements and maintain constant vigilance throughout the festival.
Sensitive ghats to receive special attention
The SSP instructed all police station in-charges to inspect Chhath ghats within their respective jurisdictions and identify potentially dangerous stretches, particularly areas with deep water and other accident-prone spots.
Adequate police deployment and necessary safety measures must be ensured at these locations to prevent mishaps.
Major ghats and crowded areas will be monitored through CCTV cameras and drones to track crowd movement and identify suspicious activities. Police personnel have also been directed to remain mobile instead of restricting themselves to fixed deployment points.
Bike patrols, Shakti Commandos to strengthen security
Special patrol arrangements will cover prominent roads, approach routes, parking areas and neighbourhoods surrounding the ghats.
Bike squads and Tango Mobile teams will conduct regular patrolling, while Shakti Commandos will focus on women’s safety and preventing harassment and other offences in crowded areas.
The meeting also reviewed the proposed deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at vulnerable ghats. Coordination with the concerned agencies has been emphasised to ensure immediate assistance during emergencies, particularly at locations where water levels and depth pose additional risks.
Police intensify crime prevention measures
Apart from festival security, the SSP reviewed crime control and routine policing. Police station in-charges were directed to ensure regular police attendance, update dossiers of habitual offenders and maintain close surveillance on criminals with active records.
Anti-crime checking drives will be intensified at important intersections and sensitive locations.
The police have also been instructed to crack down on illegal liquor manufacturing, storage and sale through raids.
Special vigilance will be maintained in residential neighbourhoods to prevent burglaries in locked houses, as many families may remain away from home during the festival.
The SSP stressed that the safety and convenience of devotees must remain the police force’s foremost priority. He directed all officers to maintain close coordination, ensure continuous surveillance and respond promptly to any untoward incident to facilitate peaceful and harmonious Chhath celebrations.
