AHEAD of the upcoming Durga festival, district administration and police officials held a joint meeting with tent, sound, lighting and related service operators to ensure strict compliance with safety and noise-control norms at Police Control Room on Friday. Additional SP Dr Ayush Jakhar, Additional Collectors Ravishankar Rai and Shailendra Singh, Additional SP Anjana Tiwari, SE City Circle, Sanjay Arora and officials from various departments attended the meeting along with members of the Tent Association and other operators. Dr Jakhar directed sound operators to switch off loudspeakers by 10.30 pm and adhere to prescribed noise limits. Police personnel will monitor sound levels using sound-meter applications, and violations will invite legal action. Operators were advised to immediately inform 112 or the concerned police officer if pressured to play loud music or continue beyond permitted hours.

 

Officials urged organisers to avoid objectionable or provocative songs and excessive bass. Sound vehicles should not be fitted with additional speakers or angles that increase their width and create accident risks. Wireless microphones were also recommended. Operators were instructed to ensure that ambulances, fire tenders and emergency vehicles face no obstruction. Safety checks of electrical wiring, insulation and metal structures at pandals must be conducted daily, particularly before evening lighting is switched on. Large pandals should have multiple entry and exit points to manage crowds. Organisers were also advised to ensure that temporary structures do not obstruct traffic or public movement. Officials said safety notices, bonds and affidavits would be obtained from organisers and service providers. Police and administration teams will conduct surprise inspections of pandals to verify compliance with safety standards.