Khowai district police in Tripura have stepped up preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, with around 1,100 personnel expected to be deployed to maintain law and order, manage crowds and ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, a senior officer said.
A total of 408 Durga Pujas will be organised across Khowai district this year, up from 397 in 2025, marking an increase of 11 celebrations, Superintendent of Police Bogati Jagadishwar Reddy said.
In view of the growing number of pujas, the police administration has prioritised security arrangements, crowd management and traffic regulation to ensure the safety of devotees and visitors at pandals across the district.
"Arrangements are being made to deploy around 1,100 personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), police and civil police to maintain law and order during the festival," Reddy said.
The deployment is intended to prevent untoward incidents, maintain peace and ensure that devotees can visit puja pandals without disruption, he said.
The district police have also directed all puja committees and clubs to engage their own volunteers to assist in managing crowds and regulating the movement of visitors. The volunteers will be expected to coordinate with police personnel whenever necessary to ensure orderly conduct at the venues.
CCTV surveillance will form another key component of the security arrangements. All puja committees have been instructed to ensure that their surveillance cameras remain operational round the clock throughout the celebrations.
The measure is aimed at monitoring activities around puja pandals, identifying suspicious movement and enabling the authorities to respond promptly to any security concerns.
Traffic management will also receive special attention during the festival, when a large number of devotees are expected to visit pandals. Police personnel will focus on preventing congestion, facilitating the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians, and keeping routes accessible for emergency services.
The police administration has stressed the need for coordination among law enforcement personnel, puja organisers, volunteers and the general public to maintain peace and discipline during the celebrations.
With 408 pujas scheduled across Khowai district, the police are working to ensure that the festivities pass off peacefully and safely, officials said.
Durga Puja, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Tripura, draws large crowds to community pandals and cultural events across the state.
