Jamshedpur: As the district gears up for Durga Puja 2024, District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal has extended warm wishes to all residents, urging them to celebrate the festival with joy while ensuring full cooperation with the district administration to maintain law and order. With thousands of devotees flocking to brightly adorned puja pandals, the district administration has put in place stringent safety measures, emphasizing the need for public vigilance and adherence to guidelines for a peaceful and seamless celebration.
In his message to the citizens, Mittal emphasized the importance of community spirit, encouraging everyone to participate in the festival in a harmonious atmosphere. He reminded the public that while festivities should be enjoyed, it is crucial to prioritize safety and follow the protocols established by the administration to prevent accidents and ensure smooth proceedings. “The district administration has made extensive preparations to facilitate a safe and joyful Durga Puja, and we expect the full cooperation of all citizens in maintaining order and adhering to the issued guidelines,” he stated.
The administration has shared a list of do’s and don’ts for the public. Parents accompanying small children to the pandals are advised to place slips with contact information in their children’s pockets to ensure quick reunions in case of separation. Vehicle owners are instructed to park only in designated areas, ensuring their vehicles are double-locked to prevent theft. Additionally, devotees are expected to queue up at the designated entry gates for an orderly entry into the pandals, avoiding unnecessary congestion.
In the interest of public safety, citizens have been asked to report any suspicious objects found in the vicinity of the pandals directly to the police, rather than handling them. Lost items or missing persons should be reported to the information centers set up at the pandals to prevent panic and facilitate swift resolutions.
Several restrictions have been placed to ensure a smooth festival. Bringing plastic items to the pandals is prohibited, and devotees are urged to stay away from electrical equipment or wiring. Motorists are advised to avoid speeding and refrain from using pressure horns, especially near crowded areas. The administration has also issued a stern warning against performing stunts on motorcycles or engaging in triple riding, with violators facing legal action.
Citizens are reminded that visiting pandals under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited, with security personnel conducting checks to enforce this rule. Women are encouraged to avoid wearing expensive jewellery to prevent incidents of theft, and all residents are urged to ignore baseless rumours that could incite unnecessary panic or cause dangerous stampedes.
The bursting of firecrackers near the pandals is banned to minimize the risk of accidents, and Mittal has called on all citizens to practice caution and responsibility during the celebrations. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Durga Puja is celebrated in an environment of peace, safety, and devotion,” he added.
With the festival attracting a large number of devotees, the district administration has prepared extensively to manage the crowd influx, enhance security, and ensure the smooth conduct of rituals. Police personnel will be deployed across major pandal sites to oversee law and order, while traffic management systems have been put in place to control vehicular flow around busy areas. In addition, health and emergency services are on standby to handle any unexpected situations.
