Patna Administration Issues Guidelines for Immersion of Idols and Security During Festivals

Patna: The district administration of Patna has issued directions to officials for foolproof security arrangements during the upcoming festivals of Durga Puja, Chhath, and Diwali.

As per the directions, officials have been instructed to ensure strict vigilance and effective crowd management during the festivals.

Additionally, guidelines for the immersion of idols were also issued. Devotees have been asked to immerse idols in artificial ponds.

The schedule prepared by the administration explicitly states that no immersion of idols will be allowed in natural water bodies or rivers. Officials have also been directed to ensure that Puja committees identify artificial ponds for idol immersion.

Divisional Commissioner Mayank Warwade emphasized that no fairs or cultural programs will be allowed without prior permission.

“During the festivals, no fairs, cultural programs, Ravana Vadh, processions, immersion processions, or similar events will be organized without prior permission from the district administration. Disc jockeys (DJ), loudspeakers, and firecrackers will be prohibited after 10 PM. The Puja committees have been instructed to install CCTV cameras inside and outside the pandals to monitor mischievous elements during the festival," Divisional Commissioner Warwade said.

To ensure a smooth and safe festive season, the Divisional Commissioner has announced several measures. Special teams will be formed to monitor social media platforms, and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and Quick Medical Response Teams (QMRTs) will be deployed to swiftly handle any emergencies that may arise.

Compliance with prescribed standards for the construction of pandals and the immersion of idols is mandatory. Officials have been instructed to ensure adherence to the Bihar (Idol Immersion Process after Worship) Rules, 2021. Under these rules, the maximum height of an idol is limited to 20 feet, and the height of the pandal's upper structure should be restricted to 40 feet,” Warwade said.

District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh added, “Officials and SHOs have been directed to hold meetings with various stakeholders. The traffic police have been asked to ensure proper traffic management. The administration aims to maintain law and order, ensure public safety, and prevent environmental pollution during the festive season.”

(Inputs from agencies)