Kolkata: Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari is expected to hold a meeting with Kali Puja organisers on Wednesday to discuss the safety and security measures at pandals. Addressing puja committees at the Bijoya greetings programme at Milan Mela on Monday, Adhikari said preparations for safer festivals will start from Oct 28. Sources in the state administration said they expect guidelines to be firmed up on the dos and don’ts by Wednesday, once the meeting ends. The meeting will also cover Chhath Puja and Jagatdhatri Puja preparations.The Sahaj portal – which was scheduled to be launched on Monday to allow registration of Kali Puja through a single window system just like Durga Puja – has been further “delayed by 24 to 72 hours” to factor in possible new regulations, stated Lalbazar sources. Sources said it is usually launched on the day of Lakhsmi Puja. Last year, a total of 2,644 Kali Puja organisers had got themselves registered. Learning from the Chorbagan stampede that killed 19 people, besides crowd management, the administration has been asked to take all precautions against possible fire incidents. All OCs have been asked to keep in touch with organisers on having separate entry and exit gates.The OCs have also been apprised of the dangers of flying sky lanterns by a couple of organisers. The PCB and the fire department are being consulted in this regard. Flying of the sky lanterns is also banned near the airport. The OCs, while speaking to the organisers, insisted that everyone should ensure that no firecracker is burst near the pandals. They also warned against buying of products online, stating that the increased risk of online fraud during Diwali. Among the other issues and demands placed before cops by the organisers, it has been learnt that an organiser at the Pathuriaghata Street, along with one at the Koley Market, has demanded greater police security and some early traffic diversions.A few organisers have also called for traffic diversions at these spots a day earlier than usual. The top brass has reminded the organisers that all immersion processions, as indeed the puja itself, must follow all rules as laid out by the courts and the administration. “There are a few things that cannot be compromised with. There cannot be any use of DJ. Only green crackers can be used. But these crackers should not be used either on main roads or near electrical connections. No firecrackers above 90 decibels can be used,” the cops have reminded.
