INSIGHT : EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

TRAFFIC POLICE PLAYS A VITAL ROLE DURING VARIOUS FESTIVALS AND EVENTS HELD IN THE CITY. MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER, ENSURING PEACE AND DISCIPLINE AND PROVIDING A HELPING HAND TO THOSE WHO NEED IT.

DURGA PUJA
Probably the most daunting and challenging task faced by the Kolkata Police annually is the puja. It brings out the best in the Traffic Department while manning the overcrowded roads, streets and puja pandals. Like previous years, this year also saw a record crowd in the city during the puja days. Through effective and efficient management, the flow of traffic was well-managed. Both the media and the public appreciated this effort.

N.C.C CADETS FOR THE PUJA
To control the record crowd in various important pandal areas, N.C.C. cadets, a good number of scouts, students and several other non-government organizations were deployed during the last puja. It was for the 5th time that the N.C.C. cadets were selected to work in tandem with the Traffic Police. Both girl and boy cadets had participated from all the three wings. The Traffic Police, Kolkata also organized a felicitation-cum-prize distribution ceremony for the N.C.C. cadets as well as other volunteers.

TRAFFIC CONTROL THROUGH RADIO
Information regarding the situation in the city’s pandals and roads, messages informing about those lost in crowd were transmitted through A.I.R. F.M. channel from time to time. Instructions for the traffic police were also conveyed through this effective media. To make this programme more interesting, on the spot commentaries, participation of on the road traffic officers and interviews with several senior police personnel were highlighted.

COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION
During the 1st quarter of 2000, traffic status report was beamed through the R.P.G. Netcom channel. The Traffic Control Room also started disseminating information regarding the traffic through the F.M. channel. Beside this, new audio visuals in connection with Road Safety Week were telecasted through Doordarshan, Tara Bangla, CTVN, ETV Bangla and ATN. An additional radio channel was allocated to the Kolkata Traffic Police. We also procured an e-mail address for easy access of the public to make complaints and suggestions. The response has been encouraging. From now you can send your complaints to dctraffic@kolkatatrafficpolice.org

DHANTERAS-DIWALI-KALI PUJA
This year also, plying of vehicles, including buses was ensured along Kalakar Street, where the Dhanteras Bazar was held. The hawkers were restricted to a quarter of the carriage width only. The Traffic Department acknowledges the effort of DC (Central Division) and his officers who gave their best to accomplish this task. Kalipuja traffic arrangements were also refixed, improving the traffic flow.

CHHAT PUJA
Strand Road experienced normal vehicular traffic even on the day of Chhat Puja celebrations, despite the assembly of lakhs of devotees. An effective plan by Traffic Department to park all processionists’ vehicles at the open space in front of Fort William paid off along with a new circulation plan. The Traffic Department proved immensely successful in restricting the movement of slow vehicles which was enforced after winning a tough court battle during the festival. We acknowledge the help and support we got from the police stations in stopping the slow-moving carts. 

VIP VISITS IN KOLKATA DURING THE YEAR 2006
Kolkata Traffic Police makes every effort to maintain mobility on the roads despite the heavy restrictions and odds that are caused ny any VIP visit to the city.
Visit of the President of India
Visit of the Prime Minister of India

OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS
The second cricket test match between Australia and India was held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, from 11.3.2001 to 15.3.2001. General Election of the West Bengal State Legislative Assembly was also held in 2001. On both the occasions, the Traffic Police of Kolkata maintained natural traffic flow inspite of excessive pressure. 

TRAFFIC EDUCATION THROUGH T.V.
On various traffic subjects, several slots were introduced and exhibited through Doordarshan for the information of the public, including accidents, taxi refusals, air and sound pollution etc. 

KOLKATA POLICE TRAFFIC WARDENS’ ORGANISATION
Kolkata Police Traffic Wardens’ Organisation was raised as a statutory organisation by the Government of West Bengal and established as an auxiliary wing of the Kolkata Traffic Police, under Sub-Section (4) of Section 20A of the Calcutta Police Act 1866 and Sub-Section (4) of Section 14A of the Calcutta Suburban Police Act 1866, 1975. The members are selected from professionals like Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Corporate Executives and Businessmen. Ladies were inducted in 1995 and since then they have been a part of the organization’s strength. The members of the organisation join the regular traffic police in their day to day duties and receive instructions from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). Headed by the Chief Traffic Warden, the present strength of the organisation stands at 169. The Chief is assisted by the Deputy Chief Traffic Warden, who , in turn, is assisted by the Assistant Chiefs supported by the Senior Traffic Wardens and followed by the Group Traffic Wardens, the Traffic Wardens being the junior most members of the organisation. Smartly dressed in khakis with a golden yellow & black band on their khaki peak cap, the officers can be seen performing duties regularly on their scheduled beats at different road junctions of Kolkata in addition to the special duties on festive occasions like Durga Puja, Christmas, cricket matches or during VVIP visits and other urgent requirements. In 2001 the organisation sent a team of officers including paramedics to Gujarat to provide medicines and assistance to the earthquake stricken people. They remained in Kutch for 13 days and rendered door-to-door services, attending more than 3000 people. Since 1997, the organisation has regularly participated in the Ceremonial Republic Day Parade in Kolkata and has won a number of trophies, displaying a rare zeal of performance which can perhaps even outmatch the marching contingents of the regular forces.