4,000-member police team to provide security for Thrissur Pooram 

State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb inspecting the safety arrangements for Thrissur Pooram at the Thekkinkadu maidan on Satuday.
| Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB

A 4,000-member police team will be deployed for a foolproof security and smooth conduct of Thrissur Pooram this time. This year’s pooram will be celebrated on May 6.

As part of the final security review for this year’s Thrissur Pooram celebrations, State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb visited key locations across the festival grounds and interacted with officers on duty, issuing detailed security instructions.

The DGP, who arrived at 10:30 a.m., inspected key locations, including Thekke Gopura Nada, Padinjare Nada, Pazhaya Nadakkavu and area where fireworks display of the pooram will be held.

“A total of 4,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of Pooram. In addition to the local force, units such as NDRF, Thunderbolt, and Urban Commandos will also be deployed, ” the police chief said.

CCTV cameras

Arrangements have been made for a better and more secure viewing of fireworks display. To maintain precise timing of Cheru Poorams (processions from participating temples other than Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady), liaison officers have been pre-assigned in addition to the duty officers during each ritual or procession. To enhance surveillance and prevent crime, the number of CCTV cameras across the city has been increased from 250 to 350, he added.

Parking has also seen a major upgrade, expanding from 15 to 45 designated areas with capacity to park around 3,200 vehicles. Police presence will be ensured at all parking sites, and a QR code system has been introduced to help the public easily locate parking zones. Three exclusive parking zones have been set up for departmental vehicles, with space for 200 vehicles.

In light of heightened national security concerns following the Pahalgam attack, Urban Commando units have been added and detailed search operations are planned across various city points.

Special zones

From April 30, the day of the flag-hoisting ceremony, the city will be divided into special zones for anti-sabotage checks and combing operations.

Additionally, eight hospitals across the city will host dedicated police aid posts to provide swift coordination in case of emergencies. A special watch list has also been drawn up for individuals with a history of drug-related or antisocial behaviour, with precautionary measures in place to detain them if necessary.