GUWAHATI: With a total of 450 Durga Puja committees gearing up for the upcoming celebrations in Guwahati, a meeting was convened by the Guwahati Police Commissionerate on October 3 at the District Library, Dighalipukhuri. The meeting, which included the Presidents and Secretaries of various Puja committees, addressed key guidelines for the smooth and safe conduct of the festivities.
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Officials issued detailed instructions, emphasising safety measures and environmental considerations. The guidelines listed specific directives for the committees, including clear 'do's and don'ts' for the celebration. Notably, immersion of idols is to be conducted at eight designated ghats: Lachit, Choonsali, Pandu, Basistha, Saukuchi, Hatisila, Govardhan, and Old Digaru.
An Inland Water Transport (IWT) official assured the committee members that safety provisions will be made at all ghats. "We will ensure boats are available at each ghat for the safety of the public," the official stated.
A Pollution Control Board (PCB) representative emphasised the need for eco-friendly practices during the celebrations. "Our first priority is to eliminate single-use plastics from the Prasad offerings. Plaster of Paris and synthetic paints for idols are prohibited, and the use of thermocol, plastic, and non-biodegradable materials must be avoided. Music will also be regulated to comply with permissible noise levels and timings."
However, amid these discussions, committee members highlighted significant concerns regarding poor infrastructure and bureaucratic challenges. Many raised complaints about the poor condition of roads in their localities, particularly in areas like Chandmari and Rukminigaon, where ongoing construction work has left little space for traversing to the pandals. The absence of a Public Works Department (PWD) representative at the meeting only deepened frustrations, as no one was available to address the infrastructure issues.
One committee member voiced the frustrations shared by many, saying, "We are expected to comply with all the documentation, which is fair, but there should be a single window system to streamline the process and ease the burden on the committees."
In response, Diganta Barah, the Commissioner of Police, acknowledged the merit of the suggestion but explained that it would not be feasible under the current system. "The single window idea is indeed beneficial, but it isn't practical because permissions must be granted by the police station responsible for the area where the pandals are set up," Barah stated.
Despite assurances from the authorities regarding safety and environmental guidelines, the concerns raised by the Puja committees about infrastructure and bureaucratic hurdles remain unresolved, casting a shadow over what is expected to be one of the biggest celebrations in the city.