Karimganj: Administrative Meeting Held to Ensure Peaceful Durga Puja Celebrations, Restriction on Sound Levels

An administrative meeting was held on Tuesday by the Karimganj district administration to ensure the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja. The meeting took place at the office of the District Commissioner, Pradip Kumar Dwivedi, at 10:30 AM. Attendees included the municipality chairman, Rabindra Chandra Deb, DDC Deepak Jidung, SP Partha Pratim Das, ADCs Dhruvjyoti Dev and Anis Rasul Majumdar, Addl SP Pratap Das, SDPO (Sadar) D Bora, various officials, ward commissioners, and representatives from puja committees.

During the meeting, decisions from the previous meeting on September 16 were reiterated, outlining rules and responsibilities for the puja committees. It was emphasized that all puja committees must obtain the necessary permissions from the relevant circle offices by October 5. They are required to submit contact details of the committee president and secretary, along with a list of volunteers who will stay overnight at the puja pandal to prevent any incidents.

The puja committees were also urged to provide a declaration detailing the immersion date, time, and location. They must keep sand, water, fire extinguishers, and adequate dustbins near the puja pandal for emergencies. The municipal sanitation workers will collect waste from these dustbins to maintain cleanliness around the pandal.

Additionally, the committees were advised to install CCTV cameras to monitor any unwanted activities and ensure a continuous power supply by having generators available. Temporary parking arrangements for vehicles must be set up at a safe distance from the roads and the pandal, with proper lighting.

Separate entrances for men and women must be established at the pandal, along with barricades. Committees need to secure permission from APDCL for electricity connections at least a week before the festival. They must manage crowd control effectively and display clear signage for directions.

It was instructed that main roads should remain unobstructed for emergency vehicles, including fire service and ambulances. Any suspicious or abandoned bags should be reported immediately to the police control room.

Moreover, no temporary stalls or food vendors can be established near the pandal without police approval. On the days of the puja and immersion, the committees must ensure no cultural events, such as band performances, occur on the streets, and adhere to the Supreme Court’s noise regulations, prohibiting loudspeakers and microphones between 10 PM and 6 AM.

The committees were reminded to maintain decorum during the immersion procession and avoid loud music or inappropriate performances that could offend religious sentiments. All committee heads were asked to remain vigilant until the immersion process is complete.

The District Commissioner and other speakers appealed for a reduction in loud DJ music and timely immersion. The public health department assured that water supply will be maintained three times a day during the festival, and road repairs will be undertaken.

The District Commissioner directed the prompt removal of dangerous tree branches and repair of hanging power lines in the city. The SP requested that puja committees recruit adequate volunteers to prevent disturbances and ensure smooth traffic flow.

A police control room will be operational for any emergencies, with a contact number provided. Additionally, a separate control room for the district administration will also be available during the festival.

The District Commissioner urged puja committees to open bank accounts and submit the first page of their passbooks to the relevant circle office for direct government funding. They were also instructed to pay the municipal fee for waste collection and cleanliness.

Lastly, all committees were reminded to prevent disorderly conduct and maintain law and order during the festival. The police department will manage traffic control and implement no-entry zones to ensure smooth movement for devotees.

This press release was shared by DIPR Karimganj.