A CORRESPONDENT
GAURISAGAR: All kinds of preparations are underway to observe the ensuing Durga Puja in an eco-friendly and plastic-free manner in Sivasagar district. A meeting in this regard was held on Thursday at the Sukafa conference hall of the office of the Deputy Commissioner to brief the Puja committees about various guidelines for smooth, disciplined and peaceful celebration of the ensuing Durga Puja.
Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Dr. S Lakshmanan extended best wishes to all for the ensuing puja celebrations and requested the office bearers of the puja committees present in the meeting to extend full cooperation and to abide by all relevant rules and regulations for observing the ensuing Durga Puja. He called on all to say ‘No to Plastic’ and observe the festival using all kinds of bio-degradable, eco-friendly ingredients and products. He stressed devising interesting ways in the mandap premises to create public awareness against harmful effects of plastics and polythene. He also requested to maintain cleanliness in the puja premises and stressed engaging volunteers to properly look into this. He informed the meeting that the Sivasagar Municipal Board would provide dustbins in each pandal and would take care of the proper and timely disposal of garbage. To ensure fire safety, he requested the committees to install at least two fire extinguishers in each pandal. The officials from District Fire and Emergency Services will provide training to the volunteers about fire safety and combat mechanism.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed the District Health department to prepare a medical team for the festival days. Further, the Deputy Commissioner requested to limit the height of the idols up to 6 to 7 feet for ease during immersion process. He also directed not to use loudspeakers after 10 pm during the festival days. In case the committees require volunteers from the civil defence, they can apply for the same within September 25.
Dr. Lakshmanan also requested all to extend full cooperation to the district administration during the immersion. For hassle-free and smooth immersion, he directed to bring the idols on time at the Thana Ghat along with adequate manpower. “The district administration will also engage volunteers and helpers in this regard,” he informed.
Addressing the meeting, the Superintendent of Police Amitav Sinha stressed prioritizing the security aspects during the festival period. He requested all the puja committees to install at least four close-circuit cameras in the puja premises. He also insisted that proper lighting arrangements should be made in and around the mandaps. He also directed that the puja mandaps should not be left unguarded under any circumstances. The committees were directed to instruct the volunteers to strictly look after this aspect. He requested the committees to prepare a list of active volunteers and send it to the police department at the earliest so that they can be imparted with proper training on security measures, crowd management and fire safety and fire control.
“Special arrangements for vehicular movement, traffic control and police patrolling will be made to ensure safely, security, peace and tranquillity,” the SP informed. He added that in addition to existing permanent Police Control Room, another make-shift Police Control Room would also be set up during the puja. He also appealed the public that the police or administration should be informed immediately in case of any suspicious activity or movement was noticed during those days. The meeting was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Bidit Das and Circle Officer of Sivasagar Revenue Circle, Samprity Goswami.