GUWAHATI: The Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, issued fresh guidelines on Thursday, October 3, for the upcoming Durga Puja festivities.
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Do’s
Puja Pandal Permission: One of the primary directives issued in the advisory is the requirement for Puja organisers to ‘obtain necessary permissions’ from the local police for setting up pandals in public spaces. The police have also emphasised ‘cooperation with local authorities’ to ensure smooth operations during the celebrations.
Medical Team: Committees are additionally advised to appoint a medical team to handle emergencies and provide a list of volunteers to the nearest police station in advance. To handle large crowds, the advisory suggests establishing separate entry and exit points for males and females.
CCTV Coverage: Installation of CCTV cameras in and around the pandals is mandatory for surveillance, while committees are also required to set up a 24x7 help desk to assist visitors. Furthermore, a designated emergency area should be created for quick access and evacuation if needed.
Clean and Safe:Keeping the pandal and surrounding areas clean and hygienic is also stressed, while a fitness certificate is compulsory for the pandal and electrical systems to prevent accidents. The guidelines strongly promote eco-friendly practices, urging organisers to use biodegradable materials for pandals and idols. Fire safety measures like fire extinguishers and sand buckets must be in place at all pandals.
Devotional Songs: Only devotional songs are to be played during the immersion of idols
Noise Check: All organisers are also required to adhere to noise pollution rules, with strict limits on decibel levels. Loudspeakers and sound systems must not exceed 55 dB (A) during the day and 45 dB (A) at night, with no sound systems allowed after 10 PM.
Immersion Drill:The police have also advised following the designated route and time for idol immersions and ensuring the availability of drinking water for visitors. Traffic regulations must be respected, and committees should coordinate with authorities to avoid blocking roads unnecessarily.
Finally, the police encourage a peaceful and inclusive environment, urging organisers to avoid conflict. Public safety announcements should be made regularly to warn against pickpockets or suspicious activities, while the entire celebration area should be marked as a no-tobacco and no-alcohol zone.
Don’ts
The advisory has mentioned strict prohibitions to ensure safety and compliance with the law as well.
Forceful Donations:Forceful collection of donations is strictly banned, and Puja pandals must not be erected on public roads or thoroughfares. Organisers must prevent overcrowding, bursting of firecrackers is prohibited, and parking of vehicles is not allowed within 100 metres of the pandals.
Eco-Friendly:Committees are also advised to avoid using non-biodegradable materials like plastic for decorations and idols, and they must refrain from defacing public walls or property with banners or posters.
Eco-friendly immersion practices are encouraged, with organisers advised to ensure that hazardous materials are not dumped into water bodies. Further, unauthorised processions or gatherings without the proper permissions will not be allowed.
The issued advisory has made it clear that violations of any of these rules will directly impact the concerned Puja committees.
