KOLKATA: Thousands of pandal-hoppers hit the streets early on a wet Chaturthi even as organizers struggled to make revellers follow Covid norms — keep them away from barricades and maintain a safe social distance. The crowd on Saturday was considerably larger than that of Tritiya.
The condition was worst on VIP Road where the tail of north-bound snarl reached Kankurgachhi from Lake Town crossing at 8pm. Passengers heading to the airport had a harrowing time with many barely reaching on time and at least two missed their flights. Kolkata Police put up an advisory on Twitter asking airport-bound passengers to head to EM Bypass and then take a detour via New Town and avoid VIP Road. By late evening, airlines started intimating passengers, asking them to leave their homes early during the Pujas to make sure they reach the airport on time.
At Ekdalia Evergreen, organizers had to put an extra barricade to keep revellers away from the pandal. “The crowd on Saturday was three times more than what we had on Chaturthi last year. People are now aware of the court rules and prepared accordingly,” said an organizer.
Ashok Dey of Mudiali Club said they had begun making announcements, asking the crowd to keep moving and not congregate near the main gate. “The crowd swelled after the rain post 4.30pm. It was finally when the police stepped in that people heeded our requests. Visitors will enter through Rajani Sen Road and exit via K Das Road. We have shut all other entries and exits,” said Dey.
Pintu Sengupta of 66 Pally said the club was trying its best to stick to the norms. At Nalin Sarkar Street and Kashi Bose Lane, two of north Kolkata’s top draws, the crowd surge affected normal flow of traffic around Hatibagan crossing.
With Puja shopping still in full flow, cops had a hard time in the evening trying to keep vehicles moving. “We are not putting up barricades this year. Yet, the surge in crowd might force us to rethink and set up some holding areas,” said an organizer from Kashi Bose Lane. Big Pujas away from the market areas — like Kasba Bosepukur and Jagat Mukherjee Park — witnessed a moderate crowd.
The sudden afternoon rain left thousands of shoppers stranded on Chaturthi. By the time the rain stopped, there was a major traffic snarl in Chowringhee and around New Market. Some parts of north Kolkata — including College Street, Bowbazar and Muktarambabu Street — suffered waterlogging. Shopping at Hatibagan was also disrupted for more than an hour in the afternoon due to the rain.
Police took to social media to ask pandal-hoppers to follow rules and help fight the pandemic. “All pandals will have separate entry and exit gates. Follow markings on the road outside and other signage to ensure physical distancing. Puja committees are encouraging people to offer anjali with flowers brought from home instead of waiting for flowers at the pandal,” said a post, citing the government order. The cops said they will check randomly that those stepping inside the pandal have been double vaccinated. “Please carry the proof with you,” said a joint commissioner.
There were instructions from police for the organizers as well. They have asked to ensure that adequate stocks of face masks and hand sanitisers are maintained at the entry points of each pandal. All members/volunteers/cops on duty should also wear masks and face shields and maintain proper physical distance.
.png?w=600)
