Kolkata: Curbing noise pollution, improving accessibility, ensuring smoother movement for residents as well as pandal-hoppers and ending VVIP culture: A series of citizen-centric measures is set to change the festive experience at major Durga Puja pandals in the Bidhannagar constituency.The authorities have made the 70dB cap on noise level a must and barred the use of public address systems beyond 10 pm. Puja clubs have been told to ensure banners and flexes do not block windows and balconies, especially at elderly people’s homes. “The views from balconies and windows should not be blocked as many senior citizens, who cannot step out, enjoy the festival from there,” said health minister Sharadwat Mukherjee, who held at least six meetings with organisers in his constituency.The state authorities have told puja committees to prioritise residents’ access and that nothing should block the way to and from their homes. The committees have to create or earmark at least a four-ft-wide pedestrians’ lane for them. Residents would not need special passes; if at all, they could show their voter’s ID or Aadhaar card or any govt-recognised ID document, showing their addresses, for free movement, said an official. Puja organisers also have to ensure unhindered ambulance access.Easy access to pandals by all also remains equally important this time with puja committees being told to build proper ramps and access points for elderly people and persons with disabilities. “No VVIP culture at Durga Puja pandals in my constituency,” Mukherjee said. “If at all, the elderly and those with disabilities will be treated as VVIPs. We are organising pandal-hopping for children with disabilities.”The minister warned of strict action against anyone misbehaving with women. Health camps will be set up at major pandals, with support from the health department. Sustainability measures include a ban on plastic and placing of waste bins every 10 metres.Major crowd-pullers, such as Shreebhumi, Dum Dum Park pujas and some pandals in Salt Lake, are expected to lead the way by implementing these measures. “These are not directives but decisions taken after talks with major puja committees and other stakeholders, including police,” Mukherjee said. Atin Ghosh, a key member in his team, said, “We are trying to implement the best practices with an attempt to make it easy for both pandal-hoppers and residents.”Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha secretary Sayantan Kanjilal said while they usually implemented most of the norms, they would try not to block windows and balconies with banners. “I have assured the minister of abiding by the norms,” he said. In Salt Lake, AK Block Association joint secretary Pradip “Raja” Banik welcomed the guidelines but said they might need to use the public address system beyond 10 pm if visitors left their cars, blocking entrances to houses. “Most suggestions are welcome and progressive,” he said.
