Efficient Security and Support Measures Make Attukal Pongala a Smooth Success

Thiruvananthapuram: Despite the large gathering of people on the day of Pongala, no untoward incidents were reported in the city. The Kerala police and the Fire and Rescue Department worked efficiently, and there were no complaints or problems among those who came to celebrate Pongala.

The state government deployed around 5,000 police personnel, including women officers, across four zones for security. Drone services for crowd management, a robust network of CCTV cameras, and five watch towers were installed. As part of the arrangements, around 450 fire and rescue personnel, home guards, and civil defense volunteers were deployed across five sectors. Three water tenders, one mini water tender, ambulances, one foam tender, water lorries, water mist, and other vehicles were stationed at various locations throughout the city.

In addition to the main control room operating at the temple premises, a separate women's control room was also set up to provide assistance to women. Public announcement systems were available at various locations to convey safety instructions and real-time information to the public.

Except for the road leading to the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, traffic flowed smoothly throughout the day on most major roads. Police effectively controlled traffic to ensure smooth vehicle movement. This year's Attukal Pongala concluded smoothly, with the coordination of KSEB, the Health Department, the Local Government Department, KSRTC, and the Department of Water Resources.