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In an effort to ensure a success-filled Saraswati Puja, Patna's authorities are rolling out comprehensive security and environmental initiatives. Enhanced crowd management, drone surveillance for safety, and stringent adherence to safety protocols are at the forefront of planning. To promote responsibility among puja organizers, licenses are now required, and the once popular DJ systems have been banned.
Patna: With crowd management and law enforcement identified as the top priorities for Saraswati Puja, the Patna administration on Friday reviewed comprehensive security and regulatory arrangements for the festival while the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) simultaneously stepped up preparations to ensure environmentally safe idol immersion through designated artificial ponds.Patna DM Thiyagarajan S M and SSP Kartikeya K Sharma reviewed the arrangements during a meeting with sub-divisional officers, police personnel and block officials. The administration directed strict compliance with safety protocols across three phases — pre-event preparation, the festival period and idol immersion.Officials were instructed to closely monitor sensitive locations using drones and CCTV cameras, while keeping quick response teams and medical units on active standby.
The administration mandated licensing for all puja committees and prohibited the installation of idols or the taking out of processions without prior permission.Police were directed to conduct foot marches and maintain heightened vigilance at hostels, lodges and hotels to track any suspicious activity. The district magistrate also imposed a complete ban on DJ systems and allowed the use of loudspeakers only between 6 am and 10 pm, strictly within prescribed decibel limits.
Unauthorised boat operations in rivers during the festival have been banned while National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force teams will be deployed for emergency situations.Meanwhile, the PMC is constructing seven artificial ponds at different ghats for Saraswati idol immersion to prevent pollution of the Ganga. The municipal commissioner directed officials to ensure that all immersions take place only at these designated sites, cautioning that violations would invite legal action and fines.To promote a plastic-free festival, awareness teams will be deployed at Patipul, Minar, Bhadra, Mitan, Law College, Kangan and Damrahi ghats. These teams will monitor activities and urge devotees and puja committees to avoid the use of plastic wrappers, polythene and other non-biodegradable materials harmful to the environment.
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