Kolkata police to go hi-tech for safe Puja, buy mobile vans to help women cops

KOLKATA: With Durga Puja being less than two months away, Kolkata police are in a hurry to arm themselves with modern equipment that will help them ensure safety during the festival in the city. However, the procurement of the equipment will not be limited to Durga Puja as cops think that the investment is needed to enhance the work of the force.
With a budget of around Rs 7.5 crore, cops are buying the latest bomb and electronic detectors like non-linear junction detectors (NLJD) and explosive vapour detectors (EVD) that will be used by the special branch to secure VVIP zones and spot plastic explosives in crowded places.

The money will also be used to buy around 32 mobile vans, which will serve as mobile bio-toilets, changing rooms and kitchens to help the women force on duty. For these equipment, Lalbazar has already floated tenders that are likely to be finalized by mid September. It has been decided to procure nine explosives vapour detectors with explosives and improvised materials detectors and the cost has been pegged at around Rs 2 crore. These can detect particles and vapour in less than seven seconds in addition to military and plastic explosives.
Lalbazar has also issued tenders for seven non-linear junction detectors (NLJD) at a cost of around Rs 1crore. They can detect the presence of electronics, be it radiating, hard wired or turned off.
Kolkata Police are procuring 18 mobile toilets, 10 changing vans and four food kitchens. They are planning to turn 25 seater mini buses into such mobile units. Total Rs 4.4 crore has been allotted for this.
“Cops, especially women, face problems due to the lack of usable toilets in the city. Changing dress is also difficult for them. So, we are providing them with clean facilities, which are needed in Covid times,” said an officer.