Guwahati Police issue strict Durga Puja safety guidelines for public harmony and security

Guwahati: As Durga Puja preparations intensify across the city, Guwahati Police Commissionerate has issued strict directives for night-time guarding of Puja pandals, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance and public safety throughout the festive period.Puja committees are now required to ensure round-the-clock security, especially during the night, when pandals are unoccupied, and to provide logistical support and accommodation for police personnel deployed at these sites.The advisory underlines maintaining public harmony at all times and refraining from any actions, expressions, or displays that could disrupt communal peace or offend the sentiments of any community.The detailed advisory aims to ensure public safety, environmental responsibility, and smooth conduct of celebrations.The advisory outlines 26 key safety protocols for organisers. Most critically, pandals must not be erected on public thoroughfares, and no road blockades are permitted. Crowd control measures must be in place to ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement, with separate entry and exit barricades for men and women.

Mandatory permissions and safety protocols: Organisers must obtain prior permission from the jurisdictional Deputy Commissioners of Police for setting up puja pandals in public spaces. Fitness certificates for electrical fittings, sound systems, and structural safety must be secured in advance. Fire safety equipment must be available.Noise and crowd management : Strict noise restrictions are in place. Loudspeakers must not exceed 55 dB(A) from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and 45 dB(A) from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Separate entry and exit barricades for men and women are mandated to manage crowds efficiently. CCTV surveillance and a 24x7 help desk are compulsory at all major pandals.Volunteer coordination and public conduct: Committees must submit a list of volunteers to the nearest police station and ensure they are briefed and identifiable. Senior members are responsible for controlling unruly behaviour. VIP visits must be communicated to authorities in advances.Environmental and social responsibility: Puja sites must be marked as no-tobacco and no-alcohol zones. Organisers are encouraged to use eco-friendly materials and maintain cleanliness. Immersion must follow designated routes and timings.