ALUVA, March 8 – The Kerala Police's "Pink Protection Project," an initiative aimed at safeguarding women, has extended its operational hours in and around Aluva town, now offering services between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. This expansion was announced by District Police Chief (Ernakulam rural) K.S. Sudarshan on Sunday, coinciding with the inauguration of the 'Nirbhaya Nisha' project. The stated objective is to provide prompt police assistance and bolster security for women traversing public spaces during these late hours.
The announcement, made during International Women’s Day observances, marked the rollout of 'Nirbhaya Nisha' within the Ernakulam rural police limits. Similar events, including a women's walk from Ernakulam boat jetty to the Marine Drive's Rainbow Bridge, were reportedly organized by the Kochi city police as part of the same project.
Project Details and Components
The "Pink Protection Project," first introduced in July 2021, encompasses a multi-pronged strategy to address women's safety concerns across various domains. It includes specialized units like the "Pink Shadow" and "Pink Romeo" teams, comprised of well-trained female police officers, deployed in areas with significant female footfall and for bike patrolling. The project also involves activating the existing "Pink Police Patrol" system, now designated as "Pink Janamaithri Beat," with patrols positioned at transport hubs like KSRTC and private bus stations, and near educational institutions.
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Operational Framework
The initiative is structured around ten distinct components, with the activation of the Pink Police Patrol system being a key element. Specialized training is being provided to police officers to enhance their ability to address complaints swiftly. Furthermore, the project aims to strengthen existing counselling facilities within police women's cells, often in collaboration with voluntary organizations.
Pink control rooms have been established in all 14 districts of Kerala to coordinate the project's activities. The broader goal, as articulated at its launch, is to protect women in public, private, and digital spaces, acknowledging a perceived rise in crimes against women. The project is also linked to the existing "Nirbhayam" app, a tool designed to assist women in distress.