3,500 cops on duty for Attukal Pongala festival

Thiruvananthapuram: The city police will field over 3,500 officials to ensure security in the final days of Attukal Pongala.  The festival zone will have an inner and outer security zone which will be under the control of deputy police commissioners R. Nishanthini (battalion) and G. Jaidev (law and order). Apart from this, DCP (administration) P.N. Ramesh Kumar will be in-charge of emergency operations and DCP (temple security) P.V. Ajith will be responsible for the traffic arrangements.

Apart from surveillance drones around 70 CCTVs has been fielded in. Sniffer dogs, door framed metal detectors, hand held metal detectors also will be used. The police has barred organisations from installing temporary pandals on roadside and actions will be taken against abuse of microphones, officials said.

All staffers of ambulances and other emergency vehicles will have to wear specially issued identity cards.  Civic complaints can be raised here on 0471 2454303. The female devotees have been advised to avoid wearing gold-chains and keep extra care of there belongings, to prevent falling prey to lady chain snatchers anticipated around the temple.