Implement sky lantern ban, smooth traffic: Kali Puja clubs to cops
Times of India | 16 October 2025organisers in the city has appealed to police to ensure a complete ban on sky lanterns, especially near pandals. At least five organisers raised the demand during the coordination meeting with Kolkata Police at Dhonyo Dhanyo auditorium on Wednesday.
Organisers around Amherst Street, Karbagan and Parnasree later recollected to TOI of past instances of their pandals or surroundings catching fire from sky lanterns.
CP Manoj Verma insisted that everyone should ensure no firecracker was burst near pandals. He also warned against digital frauds during the festive season.
The organisers urged for concessions in electricity bills during Kali Puja. CESC officials present at the meeting said they would forward the demand to the "right places".
"We want concessions similar to Durga Puja," said an organiser from Amherst Street.
Organisers, from the popular Phata Kesto's puja to one in Bhangar, sought better traffic management, similar to that during Durga Puja, preferably since a day before, and proper parking facilities, "free from the dangers of bursting firecrackers". 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 pandal, keeping in mind the Durgapur gang rape protests and some early traffic diversions.
A few other organisers claimed that while immersions had been fixed for three days, the last day of the immersions was coinciding with Bhai Phonta, which would make it "difficult" for immersions.
The top brass reminded organisers that the pujas and immersions should be done following court and administration rules. "There cannot be any use of DJ, only green crackers can be used but not on main roads or near electrical connections," police reminded.
