Mandatory Guidelines Issued for Safe Durga Puja Celebrations in Kamrup (M)

The Kamrup Metro District Administration has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to be adhered by all Durga Puja Committees in order to ensure the smooth, safe, and secure conduct of the upcoming festivities.

The guidelines, covering a wide range of safety, security, and organizational aspects, are mandatory for all Puja Committees across the district.

The following are the key guidelines:

Committees have been asked to fully cooperate with the administrative machinery in implementing all safety and security guidelines.

Ensure complete safety of all temporary structures, electrical fittings, fire etc. All Puja Committees to obtain NOC from PWD (B) for temporary structures, electrical safety Certificate from Chief Electrical advisor, Fire safety Certificate from F&ES before conduct of the puja.

A designated area should be kept clear for emergency evacuation. Separate entry and exit points are mandated in the Puja Pandals to ensure smooth flow of the crowd.

Committees must have a medical team, including a doctor, on standby to handle any emergencies.

Adequate volunteers, both male and female, should be appointed and briefed about their responsibilities in collaboration with local police. Identity cards must be provided to all volunteers.

Committees must inform the local police station well in advance of all scheduled programs, especially in cases involving VIP or celebrity visits, and comply strictly with all security guidelines.

Adequate firefighting provisions must be made in the Pandals, including readily available fire extinguishers and sand buckets.

Committees are required to ensure proper crowd management by erecting separate barricades and providing distinct entry and exit routes for men and women.

The functionality of the Public Address System must be ensured, with careful adherence to rules governing the use of loudspeakers and noise pollution.

Adequate drinking water must be provided, and hygiene and cleanliness maintained in and around the Pandal. Proper cleanup after the festivities is also mandated.

Forceful collection of donations is strictly prohibited and is classified as illegal.

A detailed list with the names and addresses of all office bearers and volunteers must be submitted to the nearest police station in advance.

Committees must ensure the Puja Pandal and its vicinity are free of dangerous articles and must ban the use of alcohol and psychotropic substances. Continuous guarding of the Pandal, even when empty, is required.

If any VIP or high-risk dignitary is invited, police should be informed at least seven days in advance, and all police instructions must be followed meticulously.

Adequate lighting should be provided inside and around the Pandal, with a generator set on standby to ensure continuous power supply in case of power failure.

A 24x7 help desk must be set up, manned by members or volunteers of the Puja committees.

Sufficient CCTV cameras should be installed in and around the Pandal at strategic locations, in consultation with the local police.

On the other hand, committees must follow the prescribed routes and directions from the District/Police Administration for the immersion of Durga idols. Processions should begin by 11 am on the day of immersion without fail.

Senior members of the committees should monitor and control the behavior of revellers, particularly youngsters, during the festivities. Those unable to follow guidelines should be kept away from the procession. The bursting of crackers during the immersion procession is strictly prohibited to prevent accidents.

All workers, volunteers, and well-wishers must be fully briefed about these guidelines to ensure compliance.

In addition to the mandatory guidelines, the Kamrup District Administration has also issued a set of strict prohibitions to ensure the Durga Puja festivities do not disrupt public order or safety.

1. Do not set up Puja Pandals on any public thoroughfare.

2. Do not deface any public wall/property/natural objects with posters/banners.

3. Do not establish any office/kiosk etc on public property.

4. Do not allow parking within 100 meters from your Pandals.

5. Do not hang flags/buntings/posters/ on any public places.

6. Never use plastic bags/flags/banners/buntings or posters in any public places. (This is also banned under sec.144 of CRPC).

7. Do not use loud speakers beyond 10.00pm to respect the right of privacy of citizens in general and students in particulars.

8. Do not use highly inflammable objects/items in decoration of the Pandals.

The administration has released a list of emergency contact numbers for quick assistance during any unforeseen incidents:

1. District Administration Control Room: 03612733052/1077

2. Police Control Room: 03612464557, 2461556 and Dial-100

3. Fire & amp; Emergency Services Control Room: 03612737680, 2735933, 2735935, 9435960618

4. GMC Control Room: 8811007000, 7399003001, 7399003002, 7399003003, 7399003004

5. APDCL Control Room: 7086077374, 9954192104, 9954192105

6. NDRF Control Room: 9435117246

Meanwhile, in a bid to ensure smooth and spiritual experience for all pilgrims, the authorities of Kamakhya Temple have issued details regarding temple timings and access during the festivities:

September 25, 2024: The Krishna Navami Puja will start. The temple doors will close at 2:00 PM, with a maximum limit of 2,000 pilgrims allowed for Murti Darshan. The Murti Darshan timings are from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please note that VIP/VVIP passes will not be available on this day.

September 26 to October 9, 2024: During this period, the temple will open at 8:30 AM. Following the evening Bhoga offering to Devi Maa, Aarati rituals will take place. Special passes will be limited during these days, so pilgrims are advised to plan accordingly.

October 10, 2024 (Saptami Puja): On this day, the temple will open at 10:00 AM, with evening Aarati rituals following the Bhoga offering. However, the special Darshan facility will remain closed.

October 11, 2024 (Ashtami/Navami Puja): The temple doors will open at 1:30 PM, with a limit of 1,200 pilgrims for Darshan. After the morning rituals, Gate Number 1 will open for Murthy Darshan at 10:00 AM, followed by the opening of Gate Number 2. VIP/VVIP passes will not be issued on this day.

October 12, 2024 (Dashami Puja): The temple will open at 10:00 AM, with Bhoga offerings closing at 1:00 PM. The temple will remain closed in the evening following the rituals.

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