Ranchi, September 10: A meeting was held at the Ranchi Collectorate under the chairmanship of District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri to review preparations for the upcoming festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Karma festival, Durga Puja, Diwali, Chhath and Kali Puja.
The meeting focused on law and order, security, traffic management, cleanliness, immersion arrangements and public convenience. Senior police and administrative officials, along with representatives of the electricity department, Ranchi Municipal Corporation, Fire Services and other concerned departments, attended the meeting.
DC Manjunath Bhajantri directed officials to ensure that all festivals are organised peacefully and safely while giving the highest priority to public safety. He instructed officials to coordinate with puja committees and inspect arrangements before the festivities begin.
Pandal construction to follow safety norms
The DC directed all puja committees to strictly follow prescribed safety standards while constructing pandals. Adequate entry and exit routes, emergency evacuation passages, safe electrical wiring and fire-fighting equipment must be ensured.
He specifically directed that pandals and welcome gates must not be constructed adjacent to electricity poles, transformers or other electrical installations under any circumstances. Electricity department officials were asked to coordinate with puja committees and ensure compliance.
Electrical safety to remain a priority
Puja committees were advised to obtain electricity connections and approved loads through the prescribed process. The use of naked wires for decoration and lighting was prohibited, while exposed or unsafe electrical wires must be removed immediately.
Officials of the electricity department were directed to conduct regular inspections and take immediate action wherever electrical safety standards are violated.
Strict checks for immersion vehicles
The administration also reviewed arrangements for idol immersion. Puja committees were directed to coordinate with the police and administration and follow designated immersion routes.
Vehicles used for immersion will have to undergo inspection by the Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI). The driver's licence must be verified and a no-alcohol test conducted before the vehicle is used. Puja committees will also be required to submit the necessary undertaking.
Fire safety arrangements
The Fire Services Department was directed to inspect major puja venues and check the availability of fire-fighting equipment, electrical wiring and emergency exits. Puja committee members and volunteers will also be provided guidance on basic fire safety and crowd management during emergencies.
Special arrangements for Karma festival
In view of the expected gathering of devotees at ponds and other religious sites during the Karma festival, the Municipal Corporation was directed to inspect the concerned ponds in advance. Officials were asked to ensure cleanliness, lighting, safe movement and, where required, availability of cranes.
The DC also directed officials to hold meetings with Karma festival committees and prepare a list of their requirements and the facilities to be provided by the district administration.
Diwali: Traffic and firecracker regulations
The Traffic Police were directed to take necessary measures to manage the increased rush during Diwali. Officials were instructed to ensure compliance with prescribed guidelines on firecrackers and keep a close watch on the sale and use of prohibited or unsafe firecrackers.
The Food Safety Officer was also directed to conduct regular inspections during Diwali to check the quality of food items and prevent adulteration.
Special focus on Chhath ghats
The Municipal Corporation was instructed to complete cleaning of all ponds and Chhath ghats well before the festival. Adequate lighting, cleanliness, safe access routes and crowd management arrangements will have to be ensured.
Special security arrangements will be reviewed at ghats expected to attract large numbers of devotees, with preventive measures to minimise the possibility of accidents.
Youth participation encouraged
The DC urged puja committees to involve more young people in festival management. Officials and committee members have also been asked to remain active in WhatsApp groups created for coordination and ensure timely sharing of important information.
Strict action for safety violations
DC Manjunath Bhajantri made it clear that public safety would remain the administration's top priority during the festive season. Any negligence regarding electrical safety, unsafe pandal construction or violation of rules during idol immersion will not be tolerated.
He directed all departments to complete site inspections and verify the availability of necessary resources and safety arrangements before the festivals. Those found violating prescribed rules will face strict action as per law.
The DC appealed to all puja committees, police officials and administrative departments to work together and ensure that the upcoming festivals are celebrated peacefully, safely and harmoniously.
