GUWAHATI: The District Commissioner of the District Disaster Management Authority, Kamrup (M) has issued detailed guidelines for all Durga puja committees regarding the upcoming celebrations, starting on October 9.
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These directives have been laid out to ensure the safety, security, and smooth conduct of festivities, emphasising cooperation between committees, local police, and other authorities.
The advisory highlights several key points, beginning with the requirement for all committees to obtain necessary safety clearances, including an NOC from the Public Works Department (PWD) for temporary structures, electrical safety certificates from the Chief Electrical Advisor, and fire safety approvals from the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES).
All committees must maintain clear areas for emergency evacuation and establish separate entry and exit points at puja pandals. They are also instructed to have medical teams on standby and appoint sufficient volunteers to manage crowds and ensure safety. Firefighting equipment, such as extinguishers and sand buckets, must be readily available.
The guidelines also stress crowd control, hygiene, proper use of public address systems, and the prohibition of forceful donation collection. Additionally, the committees are to submit a list of volunteers to the nearest police station and notify authorities regarding VIP visits.
For security, the guidelines require the installation of CCTV cameras, banning alcohol and drugs, and providing police personnel with accommodation and logistical support.