Dhanbad, October 5: In preparation for the upcoming Durga Puja festivities, the district administration has issued stringent directives to all Puja committees across Dhanbad.
In a meeting held on Saturday evening at the New Town Hall, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Magistrate Madhavi Mishra emphasized that there will be a complete ban on DJs at Durga Puja pandals and during idol immersions.
Any violations of this rule will result in the seizure of the equipment and the cancellation of the concerned Puja committee’s license.
Additionally, committees must adhere strictly to the immersion routes and safety protocols mandated by the administration.
The guidelines, enforced to ensure a smooth, safe, and peaceful celebration, reflect the administration’s commitment to maintaining order while honoring the cultural significance of Durga Puja.
These directives will shape how Durga Puja 2024 is celebrated, prioritizing public safety and minimizing disruptions.
Key Directives from the District-Level Peace Committee Meeting
At the district-level peace committee meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Madhavi Mishra, several important guidelines were laid out for all Puja committees to follow.
The DC reiterated that no DJs would be allowed during the festivities, especially during the immersion of Durga idols, a tradition that typically attracts large crowds.
The administration is taking these measures to prevent noise pollution and maintain public order during the festival.
The DC also warned that the strictest actions would be taken against violators, including the confiscation of DJ equipment and cancellation of licenses for the Puja committees involved.
In addition to the DJ ban, Puja committees were instructed to ensure that they follow the immersion route prescribed by the district administration. In case of any special circumstances requiring changes to the route, prior approval from the local police station and the district administration is mandatory.
Committees must also ensure that idol immersions take place only in designated rivers or ponds, further reinforcing the importance of safety and environmental protection.
Fire Safety and Security Measures
As part of the safety guidelines, Puja committees were instructed to take specific measures to ensure the safety of devotees.
Fire extinguishers must be installed in each pandal, and volunteers should be trained on how to use them. In addition, Puja committees must obtain fire safety certificates to confirm that all necessary precautions have been taken.
Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Madhavi Mishra also called for close attention to electrical wiring and the overall security of pandals, with a special focus on women’s safety.
The Puja committees were urged to have security personnel in place and to take proactive steps to prevent any incidents, particularly during peak visiting hours.
Police Directives: Monitoring and Crowd Control
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hrudeep P. Janardhanan also addressed the meeting and issued additional directives.
All Puja committees are required to install CCTV cameras at their pandals and a list of volunteers must be provided to the local police station.
Volunteers should wear distinctive identification to ensure smooth coordination with law enforcement.
To further manage crowds, separate entrances and exits for male and female devotees are to be established at all major pandals.
The administration has taken into account the large numbers of people who visit pandals during Durga Puja and these measures aim to prevent overcrowding and ensure the safety of all attendees.
Additionally, the police will be monitoring social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and false rumors that could disrupt peace during the festival.
A special cell has been set up to track and take immediate action against individuals or groups attempting to spread misleading information.
Strict actions, including arrests, will be taken against anyone found spreading false news or creating panic through social media.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
The district administration has made it clear that any violations of these guidelines will result in severe consequences.
In the event of non-compliance with the DJ ban, the administration will not hesitate to seize the DJ equipment and cancel the licenses of the offending Puja committees.
The administration is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that these directives are strictly enforced, and there will be no leniency for those who attempt to flout the rules.
The police have also issued warnings to those engaging in illegal activities during the festival, such as extorting donations or selling illicit liquor.
The administration has set up special teams to monitor such activities and those found guilty will face legal consequences.
Background: Durga Puja in Jharkhand
Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals in Jharkhand, drawing thousands of devotees to pandals set up across the state.
The festival, which celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, is marked by grand processions, cultural performances and the immersion of idols in local rivers and ponds.
In recent years, however, the festival has been marred by incidents of noise pollution, overcrowding and in some cases, law and order disruptions.
In light of these concerns, the administration has taken a proactive approach to ensure that Durga Puja 2024 is celebrated peacefully and in an organized manner.
The ban on DJs is aimed at reducing noise levels, while the fire safety and security measures are designed to protect the large number of devotees expected to visit the pandals.
The administration’s focus on environmental protection, through the use of designated immersion points, also highlights the growing awareness of the need for sustainable practices during religious festivals.
Political Context and Law Enforcement History
The Jharkhand administration has a history of implementing strict measures during large festivals to ensure public safety.
In previous years, similar bans on loudspeakers and fireworks have been put in place during festivals like Diwali and Holi.
These efforts have been largely successful in reducing noise pollution and preventing accidents.
However, the enforcement of these rules has sometimes been met with resistance from certain groups, making it all the more important for the administration to work closely with local communities and religious leaders during Durga Puja.
In the past, the administration has faced challenges in managing the large crowds that gather during Durga Puja.
Incidents of stampedes and clashes between devotees have prompted the authorities to introduce stricter crowd control measures this year.
By setting clear guidelines for the use of fire safety equipment, separate entrances for men and women and CCTV monitoring, the administration hopes to avoid any untoward incidents during the festival.
Conclusion
The Dhanbad administration’s directives for Durga Puja 2024 aim to ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly celebration of the festival.
The ban on DJs, combined with fire safety protocols, crowd control measures and strict monitoring by law enforcement, reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining public safety without compromising the cultural significance of Durga Puja.
Puja committees and devotees alike are encouraged to follow these guidelines to ensure that the festival is celebrated in a manner that upholds tradition while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants.
By implementing these measures, the administration hopes to create a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved in Durga Puja 2024.
As the festival approaches, the focus will remain on cooperation between the administration, law enforcement and the community to uphold the spirit of Durga Puja while ensuring a peaceful celebration.
