Ranchi: The Ranchi administration has issued a comprehensive set of safety guidelines for Durga Puja organisers to ensure smooth operations and robust security during the festive season.The directives were issued after a joint inspection on Friday by deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, SSP Rakesh Ranjan and other senior officials. The team visited several major pandals to assess structural safety, fire prevention measures, electrical arrangements and crowd management plans.Bhajantri stressed the need for strict compliance with all safety protocols. “A large number of devotees visit pandals during the festival. Therefore, all necessary arrangements must be kept in order, with their safety and convenience given the highest priority,” he said.Under the guidelines, organisers must create separate, unobstructed entry and exit queues for visitors. They must also make dedicated arrangements for women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.Pandals must have certified structural stability, functional firefighting equipment and electrical wiring that complies with safety standards. Exposed cables will not be permitted. Organisers have also been directed to install CCTV cameras, ensure adequate lighting and deploy trained volunteers to prevent overcrowding and maintain order.Puja committees must also share emergency contact numbers with the local police and administrative officials to facilitate swift coordination in case of an emergency.
