Tinsukia district implements CCTV surveillance for organized Durga Puja celebrations

Dibrugarh: In a bid to ensure a peaceful and organised Durga Puja celebration, the Tinsukia district administration on Wednesday mandated CCTV surveillance across all Puja pandals.Chaired by district commissioner Swapneel Paul, the directive was announced during a preparatory meeting, which was attended by officials and representatives from approximately 335 community Puja committees across the district, including 140 from Tinsukia town.Additional superintendent of police Mrinmoy Das, district information and public relations officer Vikas Sharma, circle officer Jaydeep Rajkhowa and assistant commissioner Madhurima Dihingia, too, were present during the meeting.“Every Puja committee has the responsibility to ensure that the festival is celebrated in an organised and peaceful manner. The district administration has prepared guidelines regarding the dos and don’ts for the committees,” the DC said.In addition to CCTV installations, other mandatory measures include prior permission for pandals and idol immersions, fire safety provisions, no-objection certificates from the electricity department and arrangements for generators, first aid and a separate entry-exit point at pandals.

The guidelines also require Puja committees to designate idol immersion ghats (riverbanks) in advance and avoid using harmful chemicals or high-volume microphones during celebrations.“Sufficient volunteers must be present across all the pandals to assist the police in controlling vehicular movement,” Paul said.