Silchar Municipal Board Gears Up for Eco-Friendly and Safe Durga Puja

The Silchar Municipal Board (SMB) has rolled out a comprehensive plan to ensure that the upcoming Durga Puja festivities in the city are celebrated in an eco-friendly and safe manner. In a key meeting chaired by Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya, with officials like ADC and Executive Officer Van Lal Limpuia Nampui, Executive Magistrate Navattam Sharma, and other prominent figures in attendance, several guidelines were established to promote peace and environmental consciousness during the festival.

 

Addressing the gathering, MP Suklabaidya underscored the importance of adhering to rules to ensure responsible celebrations. “Durga Puja is a time for cultural pride and joy, but we must ensure these celebrations are conducted safely and in harmony with the community,” he said.

 

The SMB issued several directives for all Puja committees, holding them accountable for any violations of the regulations. Committees must secure permissions from relevant authorities, including PWD Roads, PWD NH, SMB, and the police, for setting up pandals and gates. Temporary electrical connections will be certified by Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) to ensure safety.

 

Van Lal Limpuia Nampui, SMB’s Executive Officer, emphasized public safety, especially for women and children, directing Puja committees to deploy volunteers, including female volunteers, for added security. These volunteers must display ID cards countersigned by the police. Pandals are required to have first-aid boxes and emergency life-saving equipment.

 

The SMB is also taking significant steps to ensure an eco-friendly Puja. Banners reading “Zero Use of Plastic” will be displayed at each pandal, with a strict ban on single-use plastics. Additionally, Puja committees must install dustbins and assign laborers to assist during the immersion ceremonies.

 

Other safety measures include installing backup generators, sand-filled buckets, and fire extinguishers at all pandals. The immersion ceremonies, scheduled for October 13 and 14, will be supported by the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, which will provide drinking water twice daily. The PWD Roads department will repair potholes before the festivities, while halogen lights will be installed at government buildings for improved visibility.

 

In an effort to prevent alcohol abuse during the celebrations, police will use breathalyzers to curb intoxication.

 

Several community leaders, including Taimur Raja Chaudhary of Dainik Samayik Prasanga and Rajesh Das of the BJP, contributed valuable suggestions for better Puja management. Their inputs were warmly received by the SMB, enriching the planning process.

 

The meeting concluded with a pledge from all departments and stakeholders to ensure that Durga Puja in Silchar is celebrated peacefully, responsibly, and with a sense of community.

 

The press release was issued by the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.