Kolkata: CM Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday directed DMs, police commissioners and SPs to step up safety arrangements, inspect vulnerable festival locations and take preventive measures against possible law-and-order disturbances ahead of festivals like Kali Puja, Chhath, Jagaddhatri Puja and Kartik Puja.Adhikari, who chaired a meeting on festival season preparedness at Nabanna Sabhagar, laid emphasis on potentially dangerous Chhath ghats, particularly in West Burdwan, where illegal sand extraction has altered riverbanks and left the terrain unsafe for devotees.“The govt will announce a detailed SOP for firecrackers on Thursday. Home secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh will address a news conference following a meeting with WBPCB, police and fire services,” Adhikari said.The CM’s review covered north Kolkata, Naihati and Barasat for Kali Puja; Tamluk for Jagaddhatri Puja; Chendernagore and Krishnanagar for Jagaddhatri Puja; Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, West Burdwan, the Barrackpore industrial belt and Kolkata for Chhath.Ministers and MLAs have been assigned responsibilities in specific areas to monitor arrangements. The govt also plans to celebrate Raas festival in Santipur, Nadia, in a special manner. Minister Agnimitra Paul, minister of state Purnima Chakraborty and information and cultural affairs department secretary Saumitra Mohan have been assigned to visit Chandernagore (for Jagaddhatri Puja preparations) and Santipur and prepare proposals in consultation with local MLAs, DMs, SPs and police commissioners.“The proposals will be considered for govt approval and financial allocations,” Adhikari added.
