Siliguri metropolitan police (SMP) launched mobile app Kavach on Wednesday to ensure smooth and hassle-free pandal hopping for thousands of people who would hit the streets during Durga Puja.

SMP commissioner C. Sudhakar said the app would remain active after Puja and the residents could use it for assistance in any emergency situation throughout the year.

“We have our emergency 100-dial service 100. But sometimes people find it difficult to call in the number. This new app, which has been named as ‘Kavach,’ will work instantly and provide more prompt service in any emergency,” Sudhakar said.

He mentioned that the app can be downloaded from Google playstore in cell phones.

In case any person needs police assistance, he needs to press a button in the app and immediately, the message would reach the police control room.

“Once the message is reached, the caller’s location will be traced and necessary assistance will be provided by the team of the law enforcers that is nearby. Though the service was launched ahead of the upcoming festivals, it will remain operational throughout the year,” the commissioner added.

Ahead of the puja, Sudhakar also inaugurated a traffic assistance booth in Fulbari and released the Durga Puja guide map of Siliguri police commissionerate area.

“The map will assist pandal-hoppers to locate prominent puja pandals, road direction, nearest police assistance booth, medical assistance and necessary guidance for the traffic movement,” said a source.

In the SMP area, 621 Durga Pujas are being held this year.

“All necessary arrangements for security and traffic management have been made. The Winners’ team (mobile women police team) will move around the city, there will be close monitoring in all vital installations round the clock and additional forces will be deployed to maintain law and order. Also, there will be traffic restrictions in all prominent thoroughfares of the city during the four days of festivities,” a senior police officer said.