Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 9: In view of the ensuing Durga Puja Celebrations–2026, commencing from 18th October 2026 and culminating with the immersion of idols, the District Administration, South Andaman, has issued the following directives to all Durga Puja Committees and organizers to ensure the peaceful, safe and orderly conduct of the festival.
All Puja Committees and organizers are directed to strictly comply with the prescribed safety norms, statutory regulations and instructions issued by the competent authorities.
Important Directives for Strict Compliance:
• Prohibition of Alcohol and Intoxicants: No person under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances shall be permitted to participate in the idol immersion procession. The consumption of alcohol and intoxicants by Puja Committee members, volunteers, drivers and other participants is strictly prohibited. Committee members shall ensure adequate deployment of volunteers to maintain discipline throughout the celebrations and immersion procession.
• Restriction on Loudspeakers: The use of loudspeakers shall strictly cease by 10:00 PM (2200 hours). The sound level shall remain within the prescribed permissible limits and only devotional music shall be played. Any violation shall invite appropriate legal action.
• Limited Participation in Immersion Processions: Only a limited and necessary number of persons, shall be allowed to accompany each idol for immersion. The Puja Committees shall ensure that unnecessary gathering and overcrowding are avoided and that the immersion procession is conducted in an orderly manner.
• Height of Durga Idols: The height of Durga idols shall be restricted to below 16 feet to prevent accidents involving overhead high-tension electrical lines.
• Fire Safety Arrangements: Adequate fire-fighting equipment, including fire extinguishers, sand and water buckets shall be kept readily available at all Puja pandals. Kitchens shall be located at a safe distance from the pandals, and all necessary fire safety precautions shall be followed.
• Electrical Safety: All electrical installations shall use ISI-marked insulated wiring with proper earthing. Puja Committees shall obtain the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Electricity Department. Decorative lighting shall not be hung across roads and adequate lighting and necessary power backup arrangements shall be ensured.
• Traffic and Immersion Route Management: All Puja Committees shall coordinate with the Police Department regarding the designated immersion routes and inform the authorities in advance about the date and time of immersion.
• Compliance with Official Permissions: All Puja Committees shall obtain the requisite permissions and clearances from the concerned departments before conducting the celebrations and immersion processions. A single-window facilitation counter is being established at the District Control Room to facilitate the receipt and processing of applications and the issuance of consolidated permissions after obtaining the necessary departmental clearances.