GUWAHATI: The Guwahati administration on Friday issued a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations in the city, focusing on public safety, traffic management, fire safety, noise control and idol immersion.
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As per the new guidelines, all Durga Puja committees will be required to install CCTV cameras at their puja pandals and ensure 24×7 surveillance. Puja committees will also have to obtain permission from the concerned police station before organising the celebrations.
The administration has directed that no puja pandal can be set up by blocking or occupying the main road. Designated pathways must be maintained around the pandals to ensure smooth movement of visitors and emergency services.
For traffic management, parking will not be allowed within 100 metres of any puja pandal. Puja committees will also be required to make arrangements for volunteers who will remain deployed until late at night to assist visitors and maintain order.
Fire safety measures have also been made mandatory, with arrangements for emergency response and medical teams at the puja venues. Firecrackers will not be permitted in front of puja mandaps.
The SOP also includes restrictions on tobacco and smoking, with all puja pandals to be treated as no-smoking and no-tobacco zones.
To control noise pollution, loud music and DJs will not be permitted after 10 pm during the celebrations.
The administration has also issued specific directions regarding idol immersion. Idol immersion will not be permitted at Soonsali Ghat. For areas on the Noonmati-Narengi side, immersion will be carried out at Kachari Ghat. Pandu Ghat, Basistha Ghat and Kachari Ghat have been designated for idol immersion.
The measures have been issued with an emphasis on ensuring that Durga Puja celebrations are conducted safely while maintaining traffic movement, public convenience and law and order across Guwahati.
