Law and Order to be Strengthened During Durga Puja, Dussehra Festivities

Chirag Gupta

Patna: Patna Division Commissioner Mayank Warwade emphasized the need for stringent law and order arrangements during the upcoming Durga Puja, Dussehra, Deepawali, and Chhath festivals. In a divisional-level meeting via video conferencing, Warwade directed all district magistrates, senior superintendents of police, and other officers to ensure thorough preparations for crowd management, traffic control, and overall security. Officials from the six districts of Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, and Kaimur were in attendance.

The commissioner instructed officers to maintain a 24×7 control room, keep magistrates and police officers deployed, and ensure that patrol teams remain active. He also urged the use of drones for surveillance, particularly at sensitive locations, and asked officers to regularly inspect their areas of responsibility. Magistrates and police officers are to be stationed at public places to maintain order during the festivities.

Warwade underscored the importance of clear communication with stakeholders, including holding timely peace committee meetings. He called for the deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRT) and Quick Medical Response Teams (QMRT) to handle emergencies. Monitoring through CCTV cameras and regular patrolling were also emphasized to ensure proper crowd control and safety measures.

The commissioner outlined strict guidelines for organizing Durga Puja, including the requirement for organizers to obtain or renew licenses, comply with disaster management protocols, and ensure CCTV monitoring near puja pandals. The use of non-biodegradable materials in idol-making is prohibited, and idol immersion will only be allowed in temporary ponds, in compliance with environmental regulations.

Further, the commissioner reiterated a ban on the use of DJs and fireworks during the festivities. He advised officers to remain vigilant at temples and public Durga Puja sites, where large crowds are expected, especially in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. Fire safety measures, including the presence of firefighting units and proper electrical installations, must be ensured.

Warwade also instructed district officials to arrange for medical teams, parking facilities, and sanitation at public gathering sites. He called for the strict implementation of traffic plans, coordination with the traffic police, and the dissemination of traffic-related information to the public. The commissioner directed the deployment of SDRF and NDRF teams at river ghats for disaster management during Chhath Puja.

Concluding the meeting, Warwade reminded all officers to remain alert and proactive, reiterating that no compromise will be made in maintaining law and order during the festival season.