Senior Correspondent.TOD.Kumarganj
With Durga Puja approaching, the Kumarganj block administration held a coordination meeting on Monday with representatives of around 100+ puja committees to review preparations for security, crowd management and the smooth conduct of the festival.The meeting, organised by the Kumarganj block administration, brought together Block Development Officer Shubhankar Saha, Kumarganj police officials, representatives of the electricity department and fire brigade, officers from Patiram police station and other administrative personnel.
Officials discussed a range of issues concerning public safety, including pandal security, crowd control, traffic management and the maintenance of law and order during the festival. Puja organisers were urged to remain alert in and around the pandals and to coordinate closely with the police and administration to prevent disruptions.The organisers were also given a practical demonstration, using a projector, on how to apply online for the necessary puja permissions.
Representatives of the electricity department outlined safety and licensing requirements. Shubham Mondal, an executive from the department, said electricity used for purposes other than the puja would attract applicable charges and penalties. He cited temporary shops set up around puja venues as an example, saying such stalls would require separate electrical load arrangements. Organisers were also advised to have electrical installations inspected by a specialised electrician.
Fire officials highlighted precautions for preventing accidents. They advised organisers to keep decorative lighting arches at a minimum height of 14 feet and to maintain fire-safety arrangements, including fire extinguishers and sand, at every pandal.IC Ashish Kundu of Kumarganj police Station also urged organisers to install CCTV cameras where feasible and recommended that pandals have two exit routes. Police issued a strict warning regarding the use of DJs, saying that DJ systems would not be permitted. Organisers were also cautioned against using loudspeakers late into the night.
BDO Shubhankar Saha assured the puja committees of administrative support and called for collective efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly festival. He also said the administration would look into permission-related issues involving pujas that had been held previously without formal approval, as well as new Durga Puja celebrations being organised for the first time.
Representatives of the participating puja committees raised local concerns and discussed their preparations with officials.The meeting was intended to strengthen coordination between puja organisers and the administration ahead of the festival and to ensure that the celebrations pass peacefully and without disruption.
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