The district administration has issued strict safety guidelines for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, mandating separate entry and exit points for men and women at all pandals. In addition, each pandal must have an emergency exit gate to ensure smooth crowd management. CCTV cameras will be installed, with real-time monitoring by a designated constable and a member of the organizing committee. All puja committees are required to submit volunteer lists to the local police stations, and these volunteers will be briefed on their duties in advance.
In a key meeting held at Birsa Munda Town Hall, Sidgora, the District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishore Kaushal emphasized the importance of safety and smooth functioning during the Durga Puja festivities. The meeting, organized with the Central Peace Committee, aimed to address law and order, traffic management, crowd control, and other security measures.
Mittal urged all Puja committees to adhere strictly to the designated immersion routes, warning against any last-minute changes. “Ensure the immersion is carried out in coordination with local police stations to avoid any disruptions,” he said. Committees were also instructed to maintain parking spaces outside pandals and install proper generators and mike systems. Special attention will be given to women's safety, with women volunteers deployed at key points to handle any cases of misbehavior or harassment.
SSP Kishore Kaushal reassured the public that security would be tight throughout the festival. He stated that ensuring a separate entry and exit for men and women would help manage the crowd more efficiently. "At no time should the pandal exceed its maximum capacity. It is crucial that entry and exit points remain clear," he said.
Kaushal also emphasized the importance of having a first-aid box at each pandal and ensuring that fire vehicles have easy access to the area. Puja committees have been asked to check for open or exposed electrical wires to prevent accidents. He further added that any announcement regarding lost individuals or items should be made through the official system, and that all other music systems should be paused during these announcements.
The District Magistrate urged residents to cooperate with the administration for a safe and peaceful celebration. He also stressed the need to be cautious about misinformation on social media, as fake news can easily spread and disrupt social harmony. “Before forwarding any viral content, always verify its authenticity with local authorities,” he advised.
Members of the Central Peace Committee raised various concerns during the meeting, including uninterrupted power supply, road repairs, cleanliness, and adequate arrangements at immersion ghats. The administration assured the public that work is underway to address all these issues based on feedback from previous meetings.
In attendance were Rural-cum-City SP Rishabh Garg, Sub-Divisional Officer Dhalbhum Shatabdi Majumdar, Additional Municipal Commissioner of Mango Municipal Corporation Ranjit Lohara, and other key district officials.
The administration has appealed to the citizens of East Singhbhum to ensure that the festival is celebrated peacefully and in harmony, as it has been for years.
