Barpeta District Administration Unveils Guidelines for Safe and Joyous Durga Puja Celebrations
Barpeta, Assam – As the Durga Puja festivities approach, the Barpeta district administration has laid out a detailed set of guidelines to ensure the celebrations are safe, organized, and enjoyable for all participants. The directives were revealed during a meeting on Tuesday, led by District Commissioner Rohan Kumar Jha and attended by senior officials, including Superintendent of Police Sushanta Biswa Sarma.
A key requirement mandates that all Puja committees obtain official permissions from their respective circle officers by October 7, 2024. This deadline is critical for ensuring that all activities comply with local regulations. Additionally, to minimize noise disturbances, strict rules have been established regarding loudspeaker usage, limiting audio amplification to a cutoff time of 10 p.m. in accordance with state noise pollution guidelines.
In anticipation of large crowds, specific crowd management protocols have been instituted. Each pandal is required to appoint one volunteer for every 50 attendees to manage crowd control, a proactive measure considering recent public safety concerns. These volunteers must undergo police verification to enhance security and accountability during the festivities.
Hygiene is another focal point, with Puja committees directed to install dustbins at key locations and to maintain cleanliness by conducting ground cleanings twice daily. This initiative emphasizes the administration’s commitment to environmental responsibility and public health during the celebrations.
To further strengthen security, the installation of CCTV cameras at all Durga Puja pandals is now mandatory. This measure aims to deter potential criminal activities and assist law enforcement in effectively monitoring events. Additionally, the administration has highlighted the importance of vigilance over the idols, requiring close supervision post-ceremony to prevent vandalism.
In line with maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, illegal activities, including gambling, have been explicitly banned in and around the pandals. The administration adopts a zero-tolerance stance towards any behavior that could disrupt the celebratory spirit of the festival.
To assist local organizing committees, the state government has announced a grant of Rs 10,000 for each committee. To access this financial support, committees must submit their bank account details by October 26, ensuring timely assistance for managing festival expenses.
The district officials emphasized the need for ongoing communication between Puja committees and local authorities, particularly police officers. This coordination is vital for swiftly addressing any security issues and ensuring the festival remains a joyful and unifying event for the community.
The proactive measures implemented by the Barpeta district administration for Durga Puja reflect a comprehensive strategy to cultivate a festive environment that prioritizes safety, security, and community spirit. With these guidelines, the administration aims to facilitate a well-regulated celebration of one of the region’s most cherished cultural and religious events.