Security arrangements for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival that starts from August 29 will be heightened this year. Police personnel will be deployed at venues of sarvajanik Ganesh pandals across the state and organizers will be asked to install CCTV cameras. Police patrolling will also be enhanced in and around residential complexes across the state to avoid break-ins during the festival. DIG O P Mishra told reporters that police personnel will be deployed at Ganesh pandals this year, especially in the evenings when the visiting crowds swell. Most of the mandals celebrating sarvajanik Ganesh utsav have a host of activities lined up, starting from cultural programmes to competitions for children.
Mishra said he has received detailed presentations from PIs about programmes in their respective areas. Besides, police patrolling will be enhanced for areas where people will be travelling to their ancestral places for the festival. The police have come out with several tips for people keeping their flats closed for a few days. Some of the important tips include, putting a magic eye and door safety chain on the door, installing house safety equipment, securing spaces for air conditioners and coolers, informing neighbours, watchmen, beat constables as well as the police station before going out.
The police have also asked people not to divulge travel plans to servants and unknown person. Objects like ladders, ropes, and iron rods, which can be used by thieves should also not be left in the courtyard or balcony. It will be prudent to request your resident welfare association to alert watchmen to pay extra attention to vacant houses and also inform your relatives to check on your home occasionally, while you are away, states a police advisory.
It adds, most importantly, never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door, as burglars know all the possible hiding places. Goa police have also issued safety tips for commercial establishments.
