The West Tripura district administration has prohibited high-volume sound systems and DJ boxes in crowded areas during Durga Puja, citing public safety concerns, particularly for children, elderly people and the sick.
The restrictions were announced at a coordination meeting held at Prajna Bhavan on October 12, attended by District Magistrate Dr Vishal Kumar, Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak, Traffic Superintendent Kanta Jangir, Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Maniklal Das, officials and representatives of puja committees.
Kumar urged organisers to ensure peaceful and orderly celebrations and directed them to strengthen emergency preparedness. Puja committees were asked to arrange backup power systems or inverters at pandals. Where these were unavailable, emergency lights with four to five hours of backup were recommended.
Organisers were also instructed to deploy adequate volunteers wearing identifiable caps or other visible markers, install at least two to three CCTV cameras at each club, and display emergency helpline numbers at pandal entrances and exits. Fluorescent signboards were recommended to clearly mark entry and exit routes and help visitors navigate crowded areas.
The district magistrate warned of strict legal action against violations of the sound restrictions. Referring to a reported child death during immersion festivities in Pune amid excessive noise, he stressed the need to protect vulnerable people.
Medium and large puja committees were urged to arrange ambulances with temporary drivers, particularly during peak hours over the next five to six days, to respond promptly to medical emergencies.
Pathak said police preparations for peaceful and secure celebrations across the district had been completed. He added that the police had not received any complaints of extortion for puja subscriptions so far.
Jangir announced that a ‘No Entry’ restriction would remain in force from October 17 to 21 between 5 pm and 1 am. Vehicles requiring access during these hours must carry valid passes issued by the competent authority. Her office will publish detailed traffic guidelines and a road map through the media.
She also asked residents and puja organisers not to leave bricks, sand or other construction materials on roads or in front of pandals, warning that these could obstruct traffic and emergency services. Organisers were told to facilitate green corridors when necessary to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
The administration said the measures were intended to improve crowd management, traffic flow and emergency response during the festivities.
