TV
Commissionerate Police imposed strict restrictions on Monday on the use of DJ music, laser lights, and firecrackers for Bhasani (immersion procession) during the Durga Puja (Dussehra) festivities this year.
Also Read: Orissa HC issues fresh norms for pandal gates
This decision, taken in Police Seva Bhawan during the Durga Puja preparation meeting, mandates that only traditional musical instruments will be allowed for the processions.
These stringent rules have to be implemented to maintain peace and order during the festive period in both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar twin cities. The use of DJ, laser lights, and the bursting of firecrackers during immersion will be completely banned.
The decision aims to preserve the sanctity of rituals and reduce noise and light pollution in the neighbourhoods.
The police authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone violating these guidelines, ensuring a peaceful and traditional celebration of Maa Durga’s festival.
Notably, Khordha and Cuttack District Collectors, Twin City Police Commissioner, and some local MLAs, including the functionaries of different Puja Committees, were present in the key meeting.
Three BJD MLAs and a Mayor did not attend the Puja Committee meeting. Among them were Bhubaneswar-Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, North MLA Susant Kumar Rout, Jatni MLA Bibhuti Bhusan Balabantaray, and Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das. Although everyone had been invited to the meeting by the Police Commissioner, they were absent. The reason for their absence is not known.
“Interaction between puja committees and the administration is very much essential in the sense that it provides us a forum to ventilate the problems faced by us. We used to raise the issues during the preparatory meeting, seeking solutions. However, nearly 50 percent of the issues are being sorted out. It would be better if more of the problems were resolved,” an attendee, Puja Committee functionary, expressed to OTV.
Worth mentioning, in a significant directive ahead of the festive season, the Orissa High Court on August 26 issued new guidelines restricting the construction of temporary Toranas (pandal gates) on public roads and footpaths.
The court emphasised that prior administrative permission is mandatory for setting up such structures and that the safety of citizens must be a top priority.
