Loudspeakers banned after 10 PM during Durga Puja

 

The Ranchi district administration has issued detailed guidelines for Durga Puja organisers, covering pandal construction, fire and electrical safety, crowd management, security and idol immersion arrangements. The administration has asked all puja committees to strictly follow the norms and cooperate with the police and civil authorities.

Under the guidelines, the use of loudspeakers will be prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am. The administration has also directed organisers to avoid excessive noise and ensure that sound amplification systems are operated within permissible limits.

Puja committees have been instructed to install an adequate number of CCTV cameras at pandals and surrounding areas and make arrangements for continuous monitoring.

The guidelines specify that pandals and entry gates must be constructed at a safe distance from residential buildings, gas godowns, transformers, electrical wires, railway lines and high-tension power lines. Flammable materials and synthetic fabrics have been prohibited in pandal construction.

Separate entry and exit arrangements must be made for male and female devotees, with gates wide enough to facilitate smooth movement of crowds. Organisers have also been asked to provide separate emergency exits to ensure safe evacuation in case of an untoward incident.

Regarding structural safety, committees will have to follow the directions of the concerned engineer of the Building Construction Department and obtain the required safety certificate for the pandal.

The administration has also stressed electrical safety, directing organisers to ensure proper wiring, earthing and a dedicated electrical control room at the pandal premises.