Erode district police install watchtowers to monitor crowds ahead of Deepavali

The Erode district police are installing watchtowers equipped with cameras at key locations in the city to monitor crowds ahead of Deepavali and to ensure the safety of shoppers.

With three weeks left for the festival, people have begun visiting commercial areas, particularly during weekends. The watchtowers are being installed at Manikoondu, Panneerselvam Park, Bazaar Street, the bus stand, R.K.V. Road and other locations, where it is expected to witness heavy footfall during the festival.

These areas have several commercial establishments, including textile and jewellery showrooms and shops selling household appliances. Crowd monitoring will begin once the installation work is completed, a police official said.

The police are also making arrangements to issue safety advisories through public address systems. Shoppers will be urged to remain alert in crowded areas, avoid carrying valuables unnecessarily and be wary of strangers attempting to distract them. They will also be cautioned against pickpockets and shoplifters. Traffic restrictions will be enforced in the first week of November to facilitate safe shopping, the police said. The proposed measures include allowing only two-wheelers on the road between Panneerselvam Park and Manikoondu and erecting barricades on narrow roads in the bazaar areas to restrict vehicle movement.