With preparations underway for the upcoming Durga Puja and festive season, the West Tripura district administration has issued a series of safety and crowd management guidelines for puja organisers, emphasising security, traffic regulation, noise control and emergency preparedness to ensure peaceful and hassle-free celebrations.
The guidelines were discussed at a coordination meeting held at Hall No. 1 of Pragya Bhavan on Monday, attended by West Tripura District Magistrate Dr Vishal Kumar, Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak, Traffic Superintendent Kanta Jangir, Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Maniklal Das, Deputy Collectors and officials from the fire service, power department, Agartala Municipal Corporation and other departments. Representatives of various clubs and puja committees across the district also participated in the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, the District Magistrate called upon all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the Sharadotsav is celebrated in a joyful, orderly and peaceful atmosphere. He said the administration issued guidelines for puja committees to ensure the convenience and safety of visitors and maintain discipline during the festivities.
The District Magistrate also pointed out that public pujas involve large gatherings and the use of public spaces, placing additional responsibilities on both the administration and organizers compared to private functions.
Emphasizing emergency preparedness, the District Magistrate urged clubs to arrange alternative power backup systems or inverters to prevent sudden blackouts inside puja pandals. Where such arrangements are not possible, he suggested using emergency lights capable of providing illumination for at least four to five hours.
He also stressed the need to deploy an adequate number of volunteers familiar with the local area. Organisers were advised to provide volunteers with distinctive-coloured caps or other visible identification marks so that visitors could easily recognise them and seek assistance when required.
The District Magistrate said the use of high-volume sound systems and DJ boxes in crowded areas is prohibited. Referring to a recent fatal incident in Pune reportedly linked to excessive noise during an idol immersion procession, he said noise restrictions were necessary to protect children, elderly people and those suffering from illnesses. SDPOs and nodal officers have been directed to take strict legal action against violations.
Medium and large puja committees were also urged to keep ambulances ready, with temporary drivers if necessary, during the peak festive period, particularly for emergency requirements at night over the next five to six days.
To improve emergency communication, organisers have been instructed to prominently display helpline numbers of the police, Agartala Municipal Corporation and the respective organising committees on large flex banners at the entry and exit gates of pandals. The measure is intended to facilitate prompt assistance in cases involving missing persons, children or belongings.
The administration has also made the installation of two to three CCTV cameras at each club mandatory to monitor entry and exit points and the interiors of pandals. Organisers have been advised to use fluorescent or other bright-coloured signage, including orange and light green, to make entry and exit routes clearly visible.
West Tripura SP Namit Pathak said the police administration had completed the necessary preparations to ensure safe and peaceful Durga Puja celebrations across the district. He added that no complaints regarding extortion in the name of puja contributions had been received so far.
Traffic Superintendent Kanta Jangir said that a no-entry restriction would remain in force from 5 pm to 1 am between October 17 and 21. Movement during the restricted hours would not be permitted without passes issued by the competent authority.
She said the SP (Traffic) would issue a special traffic roadmap and detailed guidelines through the media.
Jangir also urged residents and organisers not to leave bricks, sand or other construction materials on roads or in front of puja pandals, as such obstructions could disrupt traffic and create safety hazards. Organisers were advised to facilitate a green corridor wherever necessary to ensure the smooth movement of emergency vehicles.
Dr Sukhendu Nath from the office of the Chief Medical Officer of West Tripura said outpatient departments (OPDs) at hospitals across the state would remain open on October 19, 22 and 24. Medical teams would also be deployed during the Maayer Gomon carnival and at Dashami Ghat to provide emergency healthcare services.
Among others, AGM Pradip Sutradhar of Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited, officials of the Tripura State Pollution Control Board, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Kishore Sarkar and representatives of various clubs and puja committees took part in the discussions.
The administration urged all puja organisers and residents to adhere to the prescribed guidelines and cooperate with the authorities to ensure a safe, orderly and peaceful festive season.