Kolkata: A section of the 2,600-odd organisers has urged the govt for a token amount to host Kali Pujas. They also sought concessions in electricity bills and an immersion carnival. The demands were made by the organisers during a coordination meeting with Kolkata Police at the Dhanya Dhanye auditorium on Saturday.
“We want concessions similar to Durga Puja,” said an organiser from the Amherst Street area. Senior officers, led by commissioner Manoj Verma, who presided over the meeting, said they would be “keeping the request” in mind but mentioned that the relevant authorities should be approached. A CESC official stated that no such plan was in the pipeline but they will strictly follow the administrative directives.

A major part of the interactions revolved around possible fires, with a major organiser recalling a massive fire at their Chamunda Kali fire last year. Verma was also apprised of the dangers of sky lanterns. Both the PCB and the fire department stated that the final decision on this issue had to be taken by the police. The cops said they would mull over the issue.
Verma, while speaking to organisers, urged everyone to ensure that no firecracker was burst near the pandals. He also warned everyone to be careful about buying online products, stating that online fraud during Diwali was on the rise. Among the other issues and demands at the meeting, the Pathuriaghata Street organisers, along with those at Koley Market, demanded greater police security at the pandals, keeping in mind the RG Kar-related protests and some traffic diversions.
A few other organisers claimed that while immersions have been slated for three days (Nov 1-3), the last two days of the immersions are also to be celebrated as Bhai Phota, making it “difficult” to rally residents for the immersions. The top brass reminded organisers that all immersion processions, as indeed the puja itself, must follow all rules as laid out by the courts and the administration. “There are a few things that cannot be compromised. There cannot be any use of DJ at any cost. Only green crackers can be used, but that should be used either on main roads or near any electrical connections. No firecrackers above 90 decibels can be used,” the police reminded.