Cop advisory for high-rises, Chhath Puja organisers
Times of India | 4 November 2024
Kolkata: Following widespread violations of noise regulations during Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations, which resulted in two high-rise fires and hundreds of arrests for illegal firecracker use, the Kolkata and Bidhannagar cops have issued new advisories for Chhath Puja due this week. The authorities have warned both gated communities and city residents to adhere to the PCB-sanctioned firecracker timings — only between 6 am and 8 am on Nov 8 – and refrain from using unauthorised fireworks.
"We have reiterated to housing complexes and neighbourhoods where Chhath Puja is celebrated that no firecrackers are allowed on the evening of Nov 7. The PCB has allowed green crackers only on the morning of Nov 8 and the organisers should stick to that. Violators will be prosecuted," said a senior officer of Kolkata Police.
Cops said they also had a meeting with representatives of Rashtriya Bihari Samaj, a body comprising people from the Bihari community in the city, and reminded them about the rules regarding bursting of crackers and gathering at ghats. Following the HC directive, Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar will be closed from Wednesday evening till Friday afternoon during Chhath, which falls on Nov 7 and 8.
While the Hooghly remains the most popular venue for Chhath celebrations, there will be multiple ponds and temporary water bodies that will be readied across the city, and adequate cop arrangements will be kept on both days to ensure there are no violations. The facilities at all ghats will include changing rooms, washrooms, bio-toilets, police assistance booths, and proper lighting arrangements.
"We have also passed on the message to all organisers within our community to stick to the police and PCB guidelines. Chhath is one of the cleanest festivals, and we are urging each and every devotee and their families to follow the rules," said Mamta Singh, president of Rashtriya Bihari Samaj.
"Like earlier years, we are making arrangements in the cleanest possible way. We have a small water body in the complex which will be decked up with lights and barricades. But no crackers will be allowed," said Manoj Gupta of South City complex.