GUWAHATI, Oct 3: Durga Puja committees in Guwahati have been directed to obtain prior permission from the police and Fire and Emergency Services and ensure adequate security, fire-safety and crowd-management arrangements during the upcoming festivities.
Under the guidelines, sound systems must comply with prescribed norms, with noise levels not exceeding 55 decibels between 6 am and 10 pm. High-volume sound systems will not be allowed after 10 pm, while committees have also been advised against playing obscene music or item songs.
All puja committees must install CCTV cameras at their venues and submit details, including the names of volunteers, to the police in advance. Volunteers will have to remain at the venues throughout the night.
Committees have also been instructed to create separate entry and exit routes, separate queues for men and women and emergency evacuation arrangements.
Every puja pandal must have an experienced electrician on site and adequate fire-prevention measures. Personnel handling electrical and fire-safety arrangements will have to undergo prior training.
The pandals must display signs declaring the premises a “No Tobacco” and “No Alcohol” zone.
Prior permission will be required for processions, while pandals must not obstruct roads. During idol immersion, a maximum of five people from each puja mandap will be allowed to accompany the idol.
Authorities also said idol immersion would not be held at Choonsali Ghat in Noonmati this year. The Narengi-Noonmati Puja Committee will instead immerse its idol at Kachari Ghat.
