District authorities and police officials in Guwahati have rolled out a detailed framework of safety and operational regulations for Durga Puja committees to ensure order and public safety during the festive season. The comprehensive guidelines were conveyed to committee organizers during a coordination meeting held on Friday at the District Library in Ambari, attended by representatives from the district administration and law enforcement agencies.
Mandatory Permissions and Traffic Regulations
Organizers have been informed that holding Durga Puja celebrations will strictly require prior clearance from both the police department and the Fire and Emergency Services. No celebrations will be permitted without these formal approvals in place. Furthermore, authorities have prohibited the construction of pandals in any manner that obstructs public thoroughfares or vehicular movement. Puja committees planning any ceremonial processions must also secure prior official approval before taking to the streets.
Strict Caps on Sound Levels and Music Guidelines
The administration has instituted rigorous limitations on sound systems to keep noise pollution under control. Between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm, acoustic output must strictly remain within the limit of 55 decibels. After 10 pm, loud sound amplification systems will not be permitted under any circumstances. In addition, the guidelines expressly ban the playing of vulgar songs and item numbers throughout the festivities, emphasizing the need to preserve cultural decorum.
Surveillance Protocols and Crowd Safety
To enhance surveillance and protect visitors, every committee is mandated to install CCTV camera systems across its pandal premises. Organizers must submit comprehensive background details of all deputed volunteers to the local police in advance, with designated volunteers required to maintain a physical vigil at the venues overnight. Pandal layouts must incorporate separate entry and exit corridors, maintain distinct queue arrangements for men and women, and provide clear, unhindered routes for emergency evacuations.
Fire Safety Measures, Electrical Checks, and Cleanliness Zones
To prevent electrical hazards and fire mishaps, each venue must have a certified and experienced electrician stationed on-site at all times, accompanied by adequate firefighting apparatus. All individuals tasked with managing fire and safety precautions must undergo designated training beforehand. Additionally, authorities have instructed committees to visibly post prominent signs designating all pandal areas as strict No Tobacco and No Alcohol zones.
Immersion Crowd Restrictions and Relocated Ghat Venues
Strict controls have also been placed on the immersion process. Each puja mandap will be restricted to sending no more than five representatives alongside the idol to the immersion site. Furthermore, officials notified the committees that idol immersion will not take place at Choonsali Ghat in Noonmati this year. Instead, idols associated with the Narengi-Noonmati Puja Committee are directed to proceed to Kachari Ghat for the final immersion rites.
