DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE CHANDIGARH
Sh. Praveer Ranjan, IPS

Spreading over an area of 144 sq. Kms, the Union Territory of Chandigarh is having population of more than 10 Lacs. It is the first planned city in India and is a gateway of three important States i.e. Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The city is an Administrative Headquarters of Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory, Chandigarh. A large number of important govt offices and vital installations are located in Chandigarh including PGI, Vidhan Sabha of Punjab & Haryana, Punjab University, TBRL and Punjab Engineering College. Several diplomatic missions are also situated in the city of Chandigarh.

The policing in Chandigarh is qualitatively different from that of other cities because of the highly literate population, high expectations of the public, frequent VIP movement, location of several vital installations and important govt. offices. Influx of large migratory population is also a factor to be kept in mind while policing the city. A large number of demonstrations/dharnas etc. takes place in Chandigarh on regular basis as it is the capital of two states.

The overall crime and law and order situation in the UT is very peaceful. There was no major law and order or security related problem in last one year due to the continuous hard work of the Chandigarh Police. On the crime front upto 15th June 2014, there is a steep fall of 33% in total IPC cases registered. We have been able to work out more than 78% of the cases. In heinous cases, our work out % is 88%. In more than 59% cases, we have been able to ensure conviction due to effective investigation. Various steps in the field of safety of women and senior citizens have been initiated during the last year, which has resulted in decline in crime against women and senior citizens.

Similarly, the Law and Order situation remained well under control. 1730 various events related to Law and Order took place in Chandigarh which were handled peacefully. The recent Lok Sabha Election were conducted in an absolute peaceful manner. There was not even a single incident during the entire election process. 465 no. of VVIPs/VIPs visited Chandigarh including several highly threatened VVIPs during the year 2013-14.

The whole city of Chandigarh has been divided into 146 vibrant Police beats wherein 474 men and women keep close vigil in their areas. There are 60 PCR Gypsies and 34 Motorcycles for 24X7 patrolling of the city. Our PCR vans not only attend to the complaints of citizens but also carry accident victims to the nearby hospitals. About 3000 such accidents victims were taken to different hospitals this year. Two Mobile Police Stations are working in order to provide police services at the door steps especially in congested areas dominated by weaker sections of the society. There is a proposal to reorganize city police by adding 5 new Police Stations besides declaring Crime against Women Cell as Women Police Station.

Continuous efforts are being made to streamline the ever increasing traffic volume of the city. Lane Driving system was put into operation, regular traffic awareness programmes are being organised especially for students. Enforcement of MV Act is being strictly done. Special emphasis is being attached to check Drunken driving and over speeding to prevent accidents.

Chandigarh Police has taken various initiatives of community policing like dropping of ladies by PCR vehicles during odd hours, Self defence courses for women, all Women PCR, Know Your Case Scheme, Regular Public Meetings, direct access to IGP through E-Mail and availability of Dy.SP on Mobile Phone during night hours. A new interactive web site was launched, where all FIRs are uploaded on daily basis. There is an additional acility of tracking complaints online in ur website.

During the last year, one month special training course for 200 IRBn personnel in six batches was organised by the Western Command, Chandimandir, in the field of urban intervention, handling of IEDs and weapon handling. We have further requested Army authorities to impart training to another 200 Police personnel during the current year as the training was found very useful. Police staff is now being sent to BSF for specialized training.

Chandigarh Police remains very alert to prevent any terrorist activity. Three mock drill exercises were conducted with the national Security Guard (NSG), in November-2013. Regular mock drills are also being conducted at Chandigarh Airport, with CISF and Air port authorities.

I reiterate that Chandigarh Police will leave no stone unturned in its endeavour to make the “city beautiful” - a very safe and secure place for everyone. JAI HIND