Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha has issued comprehensive safety guidelines for Chhath Mahaparv and Diwali, directing officials to strengthen security arrangements, preventive measures and emergency preparedness across the district to ensure peaceful celebrations.
For Chhath, the DC has instructed officials to coordinate with puja committees and ensure proper sanitation, crowd management and security at all ghats. Safety markers indicating water depth, deployment of divers, adequate lighting and clearly marked entry, exit and emergency routes have been made mandatory. Ambulances and first-aid facilities must also be available at major ghats, with adequate police deployment and hospital preparedness.
Officials have been asked to remain particularly vigilant against stampedes, rumours and fire incidents at crowded locations and puja pandals.
Issuing a separate advisory for Diwali, Jha directed firecracker vendors to operate only from designated locations after obtaining the necessary permissions and no-objection certificates from the administration and Fire Services Department. Sales near markets, roadsides, petrol pumps, gas godowns and crowded places have been prohibited.
Vendors must maintain fire extinguishers, water, sand, first-aid kits and trained personnel at their stalls. Sale of firecrackers exceeding 125 decibels and employment of minors have also been prohibited.
The DC appealed to residents to purchase crackers only from licensed vendors and burst them in open spaces under adult supervision. He cautioned against bursting crackers indoors or in crowded areas and attempting to relight unexploded crackers. Noise-producing firecrackers are prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am.
For emergencies, residents can contact Police at 100, Fire Services at 6200400918, 8340332843 or 8709299809, Ambulance at 108 and the District Control Room at 06542-242402.
Jha urged citizens and officials to strictly follow the guidelines strictly to prevent accidents and ensure public safety during the festivals.