Hindu Seva Samiti issues guidelines for Durga Puja in Dimapur

Dimapur, October 17 (MExN): The Hindu Seva Samiti, Dimapur unit, has issued guidelines for Durga Puja committees to ensure safe, disciplined and environment-friendly celebrations, while directing them to maintain religious decorum and public order.The guidelines, signed by Samiti president Yogendra Prasad Gupta and secretary Rupak Das on September 28, call on committees to comply with environmental regulations, maintain security at puja pandals and cooperate with the district administration and other authorities.Environment and Pollution Control NormsUnder the environmental norms, committees have been directed to comply with the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and guidelines issued by the Nagaland Pollution Control Board. Puja pandals have been asked to use eco-friendly and biodegradable materials and straw-structured idols, while avoiding Plaster of Paris (PoP), chemical colours and plastic materials that could pollute rivers. Committees have also been urged to keep the Dhansiri River free from non-biodegradable waste.The Samiti has advised the use of oil lamps or diyas instead of chemical-based candles to minimise pollution. The use of loudspeakers near hospitals, nursing homes and old-age homes has been discouraged, while audio playback must remain within permissible limits and stop by 10 pm.Only devotional songs, music, drums, cymbals and conchs have been encouraged during the festivities.Safety, Security, and Traffic GuidelinesOn security and traffic management, committees have been directed to remain vigilant about unclaimed bags and suspicious objects in and around pandals and immediately report them to the local police station.Stalls and hawkers must not obstruct the free movement of people near celebration sites and immersion ghats. Stall owners have also been asked to obtain the necessary licences and permits from the Dimapur Municipal Council to avoid legal penalties.Idol Immersion DetailsThe Samiti said idol immersion on Vijaya Dashami would be held on Wednesday, October 21. All puja committees have been instructed to assemble at Khermahal, near Hemkunt Motors, by 8 am before proceeding to the Hindu Immersion Ghat at Purana Bazar. Only Tata Mobiles, Bolero pickups or other light vehicles will be permitted for the procession, according to the guidelines. Each committee will be issued 15 designated cards for entry into the immersion ghat and has been asked to cooperate with the volunteers, or karyakartas, deployed there.Competitions, Inspections and AwardsA panel of judges will visit various pandals and mandirs from October 17 to assess them in different categories. The Samiti will also deploy inspection teams to visit pandals regularly, provide guidance and ensure compliance with the prescribed norms.The tentative date for the Vijay Sammelan-cum-award ceremony has been fixed for November 22 at 4 pm at the Durga Mandir Auditorium, Old Daily Market, Dimapur.The Samiti has urged all puja committees to extend full cooperation to the district administration, police, municipal council and council members to ensure peaceful and orderly celebrations.It also cautioned that any unruly behaviour or disturbance to communal harmony would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.