Kolkata idol immersion operations are continuing under an expanded security plan covering river ghats, inland water bodies, major junctions and emergency response teams, according to a report by Sangbad Pratidin – Kolkata. The report says the arrangements were intensified after 19 people died in a stampede at the Chorbangan Sarbojanin puja pandal, although the identity and office of the senior political figure cited as reviewing the arrangements require independent verification.
The report says police have been deployed at 28 ghats along the Ganga, five ghats on the Adi Ganga and 34 ponds and lakes across Kolkata. Police pickets have also been placed at around 200 important intersections in the city. Eighteen Indian Police Service officers have reportedly been assigned to supervise immersion security, with 12 posted in Kolkata and two each in Howrah, Barrackpore and Chandannagar.
Immersions began at the ghats after noon, and the report says the process will continue on Ekadashi as well. It also says cranes have not been used this year to lift idols into the water. Instead, additional trollies and manual workers have been arranged at the ghats. Nine trollies have reportedly been placed at Nimtala and 12 at Babughat, while 300 workers are expected to assist with moving structures, managing crowds and responding to emergencies.
Water-safety measures include 25 life-saving boats, according to the report. National Disaster Response Force teams have been stationed at the ghats, while surveillance is planned on the waterways. Municipal ambulances have also been kept ready for emergencies. The arrangements are intended to reduce risks during a period when large crowds, heavy structures and simultaneous immersion activity place pressure on access routes and riverfront facilities.
The report says special police activity will continue at the ghats every day from 4 pm between 21 and 24 October. It also states that 604 idols had been immersed in the Ganga by 6 pm on Wednesday. The account attributes the decision to continue immersion on Ekadashi and the change from crane-based handling to trollies and workers to directions issued during emergency meetings.
Sangbad Pratidin – Kolkata reports that a senior state leader inspected security arrangements at Babughat, spoke with police and National Disaster Response Force officials, and visited the ghats by water. However, the report identifies that person as ‘Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari’. That attribution, including the office held by the named individual, should be confirmed against an official government, police or municipal statement before publication. The security deployments, immersion numbers and operational arrangements described above are presented as claims contained in the supplied report.
