Bihar bans DJs during Durga Puja, issues security rules for pandals and processions

The Bihar government has banned DJs during Durga Puja and Dasara and ordered tighter security at pandals, processions and immersion sites across the state. Officials have also issued rules for licences, crowd control and emergency arrangements.

The decision followed a meeting on Monday chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Director General of Police Preeta Verma. Divisional commissioners, district magistrates and superintendents of police attended the meeting.

The rules will apply across Bihar’s 40 districts, including 38 administrative districts and two police districts. Special administrative and security arrangements have been ordered from October 11 to 20, The Hindu reported.

Licences, monitoring and crowd safety

Licences are compulsory for puja pandals, idols and immersion processions, according to a Cabinet Secretariat department statement reported by PTI. Organisers must obtain undertakings from 10 to 25 responsible people participating in each procession.

Authorities will photograph and record procession routes. Provocative songs, objectionable slogans, prohibited weapons and displays that could hurt community sentiments will not be allowed.

Loudspeakers will require permission and cannot operate between 10 pm and 6 am. DJ operators and loudspeaker owners must register with sub-divisional authorities, while local police stations must maintain their details.

Police have been directed to deploy personnel at sensitive locations and monitor social media. Large pandals will undergo fire safety audits by district fire officers.

Officials have also ordered separate entry and exit points at crowded venues. Medical teams, ambulances, Quick Response Teams, State Disaster Response Force personnel, CCTV cameras and watchtowers must be available where required.

Divers and rescue teams will be stationed at designated immersion ghats and Ravan Dahan sites. The government has asked officials to prioritise the safety of women and children.

Additional restrictions in Barh

The Barh subdivision administration in Patna district has announced additional rules for local puja committees. The directions followed a peace committee meeting held on Monday, Dainik Jagran reported.

Pandals in the subdivision cannot exceed 40 feet, while Durga idols are limited to 20 feet. Organisers have also been barred from using plaster of Paris and chemical colours to make idols.

Idols cannot be immersed in the Ganga within the subdivision. The Barh Nagar Parishad will instead create artificial ponds for immersion, according to the report.

Local organisers must install CCTV cameras that operate throughout the day and deploy volunteers carrying identity cards. Pandals must also have help desks and separate waste bins.

Committees must obtain a puja licence from the relevant police station and permission for loudspeakers from the sub-divisional office. Temporary electricity connections, covered wiring and miniature circuit breakers are compulsory where power is used.

The local administration also directed organisers to keep pandals at least four feet away from electricity supply lines. The distance is intended to reduce the risk of electrical accidents.

(With inputs from PTI)