Security beefed up for Pujas in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Sept. 27: Plain-clothed policemen will patrol the streets on bicycles in English Bazaar town to monitor the crowd during Pujas this year as a part of the elaborate security measures adopted by the Malda district administration. It was learnt that senior police officials of Malda held a meeting with officials concerned and the NGOs regarding the control of traffic movement during Pujas, from evening to midnight in the English Bazaar town. The district administration has appealed locals to visit puja pandals in the town on foot. At the same time, the Malda DM has instructed the members of the Malda Merchants Camber of Commerce to keep a check on the prices of essential commodities during puja time to dissuade traders from resorting to black marketing. It was learnt that non-availability of essential items due to disruption of traffic movement on NH-34 has become a cause of concern for the district administration.Glass mural pandal: A pandal made out of “glass mural” by the Malda Shibaji Sangha (MSS) members is set to be the centre of attraction for locals here this puja. The MSS members said that the glass mural has long been synonymous with Italy, where this art form is used to decorate churches and cathedrals. This year, however, the local artisans have modified this art form to construct a South Indian temple for making a Durga puja pandal. Covering an area of over 5000 square feet, it was learnt that this unique pandal is the handiwork of 10 local artisans, who have prepared hundreds of glass mural sheets to decorate the pandal.The pandal will also showcase replicas of art works made by famous Bengal artists. Artist, Mr Prodyot Muzumdar, said that a Durga puja pandal made out of glass mural would be the first-of-its-kind to be constructed in this state.