Patna : The Bihar government has tightened security arrangements for Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations from October 11 to 20, issuing detailed directions covering puja pandals, processions, loudspeakers, crowd management, fire safety, idol immersion and social media monitoring across all 40 districts, including 38 administrative and two police districts.
The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting jointly chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and DGP Preeta Verma. Divisional commissioners, district magistrates and superintendents of police, along with senior Home Department and police officials, participated in the meeting.
Women And Children’s Safety A Priority
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit directed officials to ensure that Durga Puja celebrations remain safe and peaceful, with particular attention to the security of women and children. He also directed officials to take firm action against antisocial elements and ensure strict enforcement of the festival-related guidelines.
The government has ordered a complete ban on DJs across Bihar during the festival period. Officials have also been asked to ensure that arrangements made for Durga Puja do not create law-and-order or public safety concerns.
DGP Preeta Verma directed police officials to increase police visibility and strategic deployment at sensitive locations. She also called for optimal use of available resources and comprehensive briefings for police personnel deployed for festival duties.
Licences Mandatory For Pandals And Processions
The government has made 100% licensing mandatory for puja pandals, idols and immersion processions. Organisers of processions must submit undertakings from 10 to 25 responsible persons, while the entire procession route is required to be covered through videography or photography.
Officials have been directed to prevent provocative songs, objectionable slogans and the display of prohibited weapons at pandals and processions. Organisers have also been told not to display tableaux, images or other material that could hurt the sentiments of any community.
Loudspeakers Face Time Restrictions
While DJs have been completely prohibited, loudspeakers can only be used with the required licence. Their use will not be permitted between 10 pm and 6 am.
DJ operators and loudspeaker owners have also been directed to register themselves at the subdivision level. Their details will be maintained at the concerned local police stations to facilitate enforcement of the rules.
Fire Audits And Crowd Safety Measures
The DGP has directed district authorities to ensure mandatory fire safety audits of large puja pandals by district fire officers.
At crowded locations, organisers and officials have been instructed to provide separate entry and exit points. Depending on the location and expected crowd, arrangements will include medical teams, ambulances, quick response teams, SDRF personnel, CCTV cameras and watchtowers.
At Ravan Dahan venues and designated idol immersion ghats, divers and rescue teams will also be deployed to deal with possible emergencies.
Strict Watch On Social Media
The government has ordered strict monitoring of social media platforms during the festival period. Authorities have been directed to identify and take legal action against individuals who spread rumours or content intended to create tension on the basis of religion, caste or language.
Officials have also been instructed to take impartial action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against attempts to damage religious places or disrupt communal harmony.
Special Focus On Idol Immersion
DG (Operations and Special Branch) Kundan Krishnan issued directions for the safe and orderly conduct of idol immersion and immersion processions. Officials were told to maintain regular contact with peace committees and keep personnel alert at their designated locations.
District control rooms will also be subject to surprise inspections, while police officials have been asked to maintain close monitoring throughout the festival period.
The government has stressed that the Durga Puja security arrangements are also intended to establish a peaceful beginning to the wider festival season, with authorities expected to remain prepared for subsequent festivals and large public gatherings.
