Kolkata: Extensive security measures have been implemented in Kolkata to ensure safety during the Christmas celebrations on Wednesday.
Starting from Tuesday night, 1,000 police officers were initially deployed across the city, with plans to increase this number to over 2,000. According to city police sources, eight Deputy Commissioners will oversee the security operations, actively patrolling the streets alongside their teams throughout the day.
Support will come from 30 Assistant Commissioners, 27 Inspectors, and 250 Sub-Inspectors. The city has set up 11 watchtowers at strategic locations to monitor crowds, and three Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will be on standby to handle any emergencies.
Additionally, 40 police assistance booths will be positioned throughout the city, and Heavy Radio Flying Squads (HDFS) will be part of the comprehensive security strategy. A significant presence of women police officers, plainclothes detectives, and combat teams will also be ensured. Special security measures are in place for key churches, and checkpoints will be established at various entry points to the city.
In conjunction with police efforts, the state’s Disaster Management Department has prepared teams for any emergencies. Trauma-care ambulances will be stationed at different locations, and life-saving disaster management teams will be deployed at river points in and around the city. The River Traffic Police will conduct ongoing patrols on the water using speedboats.