No more towering Durga idols this year? Not really, as long as you don’t plan immersion between Baghbazar & Gwalior ghat

A rule that has been around for decades, but rarely followed, is being enforced in the city this Durga Puja – idols can have a maximum height of 10 to 11 feet, especially if the organisers are planning to immerse them at specific ghats between Baghbazar and Gwalior Ghat.

According to the advisory issued by the state government & Kolkata Police, the restriction is applicable only to these designated immersion ghats and is not a state-wide cap. “The Railway’s overhead electric wires are around 17.6 feet above the road, while some level crossings in the area have iron crossbars with a clearance of less than 17 feet. Hence, capping the height at 11 feet ensures that there’s no mishap,” explained Babu Pal, secretary of the Kumartuli Mritsilpa Sanskrity Samity.According to Debasish Bhattacharya, convenor, Kumartuli Sarbojanin Durgotsav, it was only a handful of organisers, particularly those backed by the previous government, that did not adhere to the rule. “The regulation has always been in place. We have followed it in the past, and we will continue to do so.”The 88-foot Deshapriya Park Durga idol of 2015 (above) made its way into record books, but Kolkata Police had to block public entry into the pandal after thousands visited it and brought traffic to a grinding halt. Several people were also injured owing to the rush. The new rule doesn’t ban such idols, but tells them where not to immerse them. The decades old rule, which is being enforced fully now, caps the height of the idols at 11 feet, especially those the organisers plan to immerse at ghats between Baghbazar and Gwalior Ghat

The aim of the advisoryThe advisory has been issued keeping the following in mind:Safety & clearance: The limit is strictly enforced to prevent accidents near overhead railway cables and level crossing crossbars with clearance levels less than 17 feetDesignated ghats requirement: Puja committees with taller idols must make arrangements to use ghats in other parts of the cityEnvironmental safety in focus: Organisers have also been asked to comply with the West Bengal Pollution Control Board guidelines and not use thermocol decorations and PVC bannersNot limited to Durga Puja: The same safety norms are applicable to idols prepared for all festivals if immersion is scheduled at the specified ghats

Environmental guidelines continue

Apart from the new safety directive, organisers have also been reminded to comply with the environmental guidelines issued by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB).

The pollution control norms discourage the use of thermocol decorations and PVC banners, while directing organisers and devotees to dispose of flowers and other ritual offerings in designated collection bins to minimise river pollution during the immersion season.With preparations for the festive season gathering pace, the latest advisory is intended to help artisans and puja committees plan well in advance, ensuring that immersion ceremonies are conducted safely without disrupting railway infrastructure or putting devotees at risk.

Quote:Sujit Pal idol maker and cashier of Kumartuli Mritsilpa Sanskrity Samity: This rule has existed for nearly 20 years, but it was rarely followed. The difference is that earlier, many puja organisers backed by influential politicians, did not strictly follow it. In Kumartuli, the artisans tried to follow the guidelines unless the authorities intervened. The height of idols made on-site generally exceeds 11 feet.

Now, however, the administration has become much stricter, especially at the designated immersion spots and hopefully all will abide by it for everyone’s safety.

China Pal, idol maker, Kumartuli: There is one idol for Entally Sangha on Sambhu Babu Lane that is already over 11 feet tall and which is already in the process of making. We can’t just dismantle it now as a lot of money has already been spent on materials and workers’ wages.

If necessary, the puja organisers will have to be immersed at another ghat. Going forward, we will keep the 11-foot limit in mind while making idols.Sayan Deb Chatterjee, general secretary, Hara Park Durgautsav: Last year, our idol was around 22 feet tall. After the puja, the Fire Brigade was called in to dismantle the idol inside the pandal. This tall idol was just for the show but the Durga idol that was actually being worshipped was only about 2–3 feet tall.

This year, we plan to approach the Fire Minister to see if the same arrangement can be followed. If that is not possible, we will fully abide by the new directive and ensure that our idol does not exceed 11 feet.

Whatever decision the authorities take, we will comply with it.Debasish Bhattacharya, convenor, Kumartuli Sarbojonin Durgautsav: It was only a handful of puja committees, particularly those backed by the previous government, that did not adhere to the 11-foot idol height rule.

The regulation has always been in place. We have followed it in the past, and we will continue to follow it now and in the future because safety must always come first. Ultimately, the essence of Durga Puja is not the height of the idol, but the devotion, sincerity and integrity with which we welcome Maa Durga.

Somnath Das, executive member, Santospur Lake Pally: In the past, our idols have been as tall as 20 feet. However, this year we will keep the height within 11 feet in accordance with the government’s directive.

Since the idol is being crafted at our club premises, we can closely monitor the work and ensure that it does not exceed the prescribed height limit. We understand that the directive has been issued with safety in mind, and we will fully comply with the guidelines. Kaushik Ghosh, idol maker, Kumartuli: This rule has existed for years, but in the past, several politically backed Pujo committees didn’t follow it. I hope that from this year onwards, everyone will abide by it. It will make the immersion process much safer & smoother Somnath Das, executive member, Santoshpur Lake Pally Puja Committee: In the past, our idols have been as tall as 20 feet. But this year, we’ll keep the height within 11 feet. We understand that the directive has been issued with safety in mind, and we will comply with it.