The Kamrup Metro district administration has issued a list of “dos and don’ts” for Durga puja committees to avoid untoward incident.
As per the guidelines, the committees have been tasked to ensure complete safety of all temporary structures and electrical fittings and to keep a designated area for emergency evacuation.
They have also been asked to keep a medical team ready and appoint sufficient number of volunteers with identity cards to deal with untoward situation.
The committees have been told to inform the local police in advance about all the programmes and to comply with security regulations in case the pandals are to be visited by any VIPs or celebrities.
The committees will have to make provision for fire-fighting equipment like buckets, sands and fire extinguishers and also make provisions for crowd management, including barricades and separate exits for male and female visitors.
Functional public address systems will have to be set up and provision for drinking water as well as maintaining hygiene in the pandals is a must.
Cleaning of the area after the conclusion of the Durga Puja.
The committees have been directed to submit a list of names and addresses of all office-bearers and volunteers to the nearest police station.
Rules regarding use of loudspeakers and noise pollution level will have to be adhered to and the committees have been told to keep the general area of the pandals clear of all dangerous articles.
Use of alcohol and psychotropic drugs has been banned at the venues.
To ensure guarding of the pandals and provide logistical support to the police personnel deputed for guarding the pandals.
To provide adequate illumination inside the pandals and the surrounding areas along with generators to ensure continuous power supply.
The committees will also have to open 24-hour helpdesks.
Installation of CCTV cameras in and around the pandals in consultation with the local police has been suggested.
For idol immersion, the committees have been directed to take out their respective processions by 11 am on the day of immersion.
They have been told to avoid bursting of crackers during the immersion procession.
The committees must avoid defacing public walls, public properties and natural objects like trees with posters and banners. Also no parking within the 100-metre radius of the pandals, reports The Assam Tribune.
They have also been directed not to use highly inflammable items in the decoration of the pandals and avoid the use of plastic bags and other plastic items.
