For smooth and peaceful conduct of ensuing festivals, Durga Puja and Muharram, a district-level peace committee meeting was held here. Besides the organisers from different puja committees, the district level officials, peace committee members and intellectuals participated in the meeting. District Collector Pamod Das presided.
Since Muharram is falling in the same period, both the Hindu and Muslim communities were urged to observe the events peacefully. Display of martial arts with sticks is a part and parcel of the Baleswar Durga puja tradition. The Akhada committees as well as Muharram committees were urged to display the arts maintaining order.
The puja would begin from September 26 and the Dussehra would be observed on September 30. This year there would be 70 medhas for the Duga puja in the town.
It was decided in the meeting that the no objection certificate (NOC) would be accorded after obtaining all the clearances including fire, electricity, sound etc which would be given through single window system. The organisers would apply for permission between September 22 and 23.
The concerned departments were asked to ensure glitch-free services, including supply of water, electricity etc before commencement of the festival. The organisers too were asked to play the sound system within the permissible limits during the puja and procession. Besides, the committee members were asked to maintain traffic system during processions, else stern action would be taken against the violators. The Excise department was directed to carry out raids on the illegal outlets of liquor and drugs.
Sadar MlA JP Dash, former MlA Arun Dey, ADM MM Pani, SP Niti Sekhar , Chairman Baleswar Municipality Alok Sahu, Additional SP Santish Nayak and CDMO Vivekananda Das were among others attended.