Gurgaon: Police have deployed 4,300 personnel across the city and stepped-up security arrangements ahead of Diwali, with checks planned at markets, shopping malls, railway stations, bus stands and other crowded places.“Deputy commissioners of police and station house officers have been directed to monitor security and maintain law and order in their respective areas,” Sandeep Turan, police spokesperson, said.The district administration has permitted the sale and use of only green firecrackers on Nov 7 and 8, between 6 –7am, and 8 – 10 pm. Firecrackers can be sold only at locations designated by the administration, police said. Teams will check for licences, safe packaging, and QR codes. Cops will conduct special patrols at no-cracker zones.Bursting firecrackers within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary health centres, old-age homes and educational institutions are prohibited, police informed.Cops said additional surveillance will be maintained at Sadar Bazaar, shopping malls and cinema halls. Police teams will patrol on foot, on motorcycles and PCR vehicles. Cops in mufti will be deployed to keep watch for chain snatching, pickpocketing and harassment of women.Security checks will be conducted at railway stations, bus stands, religious places, hospitals, and power stations. Dharamshalas, hotels, guest houses, paying guest accommodations, and pubs will also be scrutinized.“Police will inspect warehouses storing firecrackers and take action against gamblers. Surveillance will also be maintained over suspicious persons and those spreading rumours,” a police officer stated.Meanwhile, traffic cops have been assigned duties along major roads and market areas to regulate traffic. Parking areas will be monitored to prevent theft, while special drives will target those riding without helmets, riding in triples, and drunk driving.Deputy commissioners of police will oversee deployments in their areas, while station house officers and police post in-charges will conduct regular inspections.“We appeal to residents to use only green firecrackers during the permitted hours and follow the guidelines issued by the administration. Residents should inform police about suspicious activity or emergencies,” Sandeep Turan added.
