Today the operation “Pyrotechnics” begins on the territory of Kazan

(KZN.RU, December 25, Mikhail Chentsov). Almost a thousand police officers will daily ensure the protection of public order and the safety of residents and guests of the city during the New Year holidays. The Kazan garrison switched to an enhanced mode of service. Alexey Sokolov, the head of the Russian Interior Ministry's Department for Kazan, reported this during the Business Monday at the City Hall.

The work on decriminalization of the alcohol market, suppression of illegal trade in coniferous trees and pyrotechnic products is traditionally held in the city, in addition to organizing round-the-clock duty of the leadership and strengthening the work of investigative and operational groups and emergency teams. “Today the operation “Pyrotechnics” begins on the territory of the city”, said A. Sokolov. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, noted that it is necessary to conduct explanatory work with the population so that residents know where and how to use pyrotechnic products.

The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Kazan drew particular attention to ensuring security in places of a mass gathering of people. All structures, attractions, and ice structures will be inspected for suitability for operation and detection of explosive devices. The territory of Christmas trees will be protected by permanent or portable barriers. The inspection using a metal detector is organized at checkpoints to remove prohibited items. “City Christmas trees will be taken under the round-the-clock protection of posts from the moment of opening until January 14,” noted the speaker. He also added that it is planned to attract employees and servicemen of the National Guard, employees of private security organizations, members of people's squads and law enforcement units.

Alexey Sokolov noted the importance of putting special engineering structures, building blocks, or large-sized machinery on the access roads to the Christmas trees. According to him, this is necessary to prevent unauthorized transport access to places of the mass gathering of people. The speaker also warned the owners of entertainment industry objects about exceeding the permissible number of visitors, reminding the tragic events that took place in December 2009 in the Perm nightclub “Lame Horse”.

Additionally, 250 police officers will be involved during festivities, dedicated to the Christmas, to ensure law and order on the night of 6 to 7 of January.

“All the recommendations of the Department of Internal Affairs should be taken into account. We need to talk with people about fire safety, once again remind them of it. Approach all issues organized and professionally. We need to do this like the first time, analyzing everything. Then there will be fewer mistakes, faults and accidents”, concluded the Mayor.