Hazaribag: The district administration has asked Durga Puja organisers in the city and across the district to obtain fire, structural and electrical safety clearances and ensure arrangement of public address systems and surveillance mechanisms before their pandals are thrown open for visitors.Dussehra organisers have been directed to ensure the availability of an ambulance at their event sites.With less than a week to go for the festivities, the district administration has also urged the public to minimise vehicle use, avoid carrying valuables and remain vigilant during pandal visits. Parents have been asked to keep identification slips with children.For emergencies, people can contact the district control room on 8002529349 or dial 112.“Extensive arrangements have been put in place for the festival period, which begins with Navratri on Oct 11,” Hazaribag deputy commissioner Hemant Sati said.Puja committees have been directed to avoid using inflammable materials in pandal construction, ensure proper lighting and cleanliness, install barricades, and provide separate entry and exit gates. Committee members have been asked to issue identity cards to their volunteers, maintain CCTV surveillance on pandal premises, arrange backup power, first aid facilities and fire-fighting equipment, and keep access routes clear for emergency services.SP Aman Kumar cautioned against sharing provocative, misleading or unverified content on social media and urged the public to report such posts with the cyber police station or local police.
