Kolkata: With the weather department forecasting rain from Panchami, Durga Puja organisers across Kolkata are putting precautionary measures in place to protect pandals, installations and visitors. Recent spells of rain have already slowed preparations at several venues, and the prospect of further showers during the festival has added to the concerns of committees racing against time.From procuring tarpaulin sheets and arranging water pumps to constructing raised wooden platforms and safeguarding electrical installations, committees are preparing for possible waterlogging and damage.At Chakraberia Sarbojanin Durgotsab, where the theme is ‘Padda Dighir Ghate’, rain has delayed work in the final stages. “We will procure sheets to protect the pandal and other installations. The power control has been shifted to an elevated level as a safety measure. We will also have pumps to drain water if there is waterlogging,” said Timir Sarkar, working president of the club.At New Town Sarbojanin Durgotsab, organisers are drawing on past experience to prepare for inclement weather. “Wooden platforms have been made at the venue and water pumps will be on standby,” said secretary Samaresh Das.At College Square, organisers are hoping the forecast does not translate into intense showers that could disrupt the celebrations. “We are hoping that the rain will not be intense. But we will have water pumps in place in case there is waterlogging. We will also make arrangements to cover the pandal if it rains hard,” said Bikash Majumdar, chief organiser of College Square Sarbojanin Durgotsab Committee.At Mohammad Ali Park, raised wooden platforms have been constructed to facilitate visitors’ movement while tarpaulin sheets will be used to shield the pandal, idol and power control area from heavy rain. “We had already planned precautionary measures for inclement weather. A large number of tarpaulin sheets have been procured and the raised wooden platforms will ensure people can walk without slipping or falling,” said Surender Sharma, secretary of Youth Association, which is organising the puja at Mohammad Ali Park.At Deshapriya Park Durgotsab, the immediate concern is the time lost to recent showers. Organisers are preparing to minimise further disruption. “Rain in the past few days has delayed the pace of work. We will be taking all possible precautions to prevent damage from the rain during the festival,” said Abhishek De Biswas, spokesperson for the club.
