Patna district admn bans immersion of Durga idols in Ganga

PATNA: The district administration has banned immersion of Durga idols in the Ganga and suggested use of artificial ponds for the purpose.
Patna DM Chandrashekhar Singh and SSP Upendra Kumar Sharma, who held a meeting on Tuesday, asked the Puja organisers and people to follow Covid protocols and maintain social harmony during the 10-day festivities beginning from October 7. The DM said no fair would be organised at any place and DJ would also not be allowed around the Puja venues.
Since the immersion of idols in the Ganga was banned following the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal, all SDOs and SDPOs were asked to develop artificial ponds with adequate light, medical and ambulance facilities. They have also been asked to depute magistrates and police personnel at the artificial ponds.
“There will be no cultural functions and use of fireworks during the Puja. Use of loudspeakers is permitted within the permissible sound limit. However, play of vulnerable songs and display of objectionable slogans will not be allowed at the Puja pandals,” the DM said.
The Ravan Vadh programme will be organised in a simple way at Kalidas Rangalaya with the facility of live webcast.
There will also be a ban on plying of boats in all rivers in Patna district during the Puja. The DM said all volunteers of Puja pandals would be issued identify cards.
The administration has asked police to intensity night patrolling, especially in the rural areas. “Stern action will be taken against the anti-social elements and those trying to create troubles during the Puja,” the DM added.