THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: City police have made elaborate security arrangements for the week-long Onam celebrations which will be held at various venues in the city. According to city police commissioner, P Prakash, around 1,700 police personnel will be deployed at various parts of the city from Sunday to Friday. September 9, the concluding day of Onam celebrations of the state government, will see a colourful pageantry.
The personnel include officers from a special strike force of the city police commissioner, personnel from AR camp, shadow police and the forces from other districts will be deployed at busy places including shopping centres and railway stations in a bid to avert untoward incidents. The city will also be under strict CCTV surveillance with an additional 100 new cameras bought especially for this purpose.
Special round-the clock control rooms to be opened at the venues. Elaborate arrangements have been made at the Kanakakunnu palace where more number of people are expected to gather. Besides, foot patrolling and vehicle patrolling have been mobilised.
The services of Pink Patrol can be availed round-the-clock. Special inspections will be carried out at the borders to prevent hooch, banned tobacco products and drugs from being smuggled in. The city residents who plan to celebrate Onam elsewhere should ensure their houses are properly locked.
“Plans for the security arrangements have been completed. Officials will be mobilised from Sunday onwards. Patrolling and vehicle inspections will be conducted at all parts of the city with the effective assistance of special branch. Unlike previous years, the manpower has been increased,” Prakash said.