Ranchi DC Orders Tight Security, Safety Measures for Diwali, Kali Puja and Chhath

Ranchi district administration has stepped up preparations for Diwali, Kali Puja and Chhath, with Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Manjunath Bhajantri directing officials to ensure robust security, sanitation, traffic management and law and order during the upcoming festivals.

A high-level meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner at the Collectorate reviewed arrangements for the celebrations, including crowd management, immersion procedures and safety measures at Chhath ghats. The security of devotees during Chhath received particular attention.

Senior officials attending the meeting included City SP Paras Rana, Rural SP Gaurav Goswami, Traffic SP Rakesh Singh, Sadar Sub-Divisional Officer Kumar Rajat, trainee IAS officer Aastha Sharan and Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Dhananjay, along with representatives of the Municipal Corporation, electricity department, fire services and other concerned agencies.

Chhath Ghats to Receive Special Safety Attention

Bhajantri said the safety of devotees must remain the administration's highest priority during Chhath. He directed officials to coordinate with puja committees, inspect arrangements in advance and ensure that no negligence compromises public safety.

The Ranchi Municipal Corporation has been instructed to ensure proper cleaning of ponds and Chhath ghats, adequate lighting, safe access routes and effective crowd management. Officials were also asked to arrange cranes wherever necessary and deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and local divers at vulnerable locations.

Bamboo barricades must be installed in ponds and at ghats to restrict devotees to designated safe areas while offering arghya. Swimming will remain prohibited at the ghats during the festival.

The administration has also directed officials to repair and clean roads leading to Chhath ghats before the celebrations begin, improving access for devotees and emergency services.

Monitoring of Firecrackers, Traffic and Noise Pollution

For Diwali and Kali Puja, officials have been asked to maintain smooth traffic movement and monitor the sale and use of prohibited or unsafe firecrackers. Food safety checks will also be carried out to ensure the quality of food items sold during the festive period.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the need to enforce restrictions on noise pollution after 10 pm. These measures are intended to limit public inconvenience and reduce risks associated with fireworks and large gatherings.

Puja committees have been encouraged to involve more young volunteers in festival management and use WhatsApp groups to facilitate the timely exchange of information among organisers and authorities.

Strict Action Against Safety Violations

Bhajantri warned that violations involving electrical safety, unsafe pandal construction, prescribed safety standards and immersion procedures would invite strict action.

He called on all departments and puja committees to work in close coordination to ensure that the three festivals are celebrated peacefully, safely and in an atmosphere of communal harmony.

With large numbers of devotees expected at Chhath ghats and public gatherings anticipated during Diwali and Kali Puja, advance inspections, coordinated emergency response and compliance with safety guidelines will be crucial to preventing accidents and maintaining public order across Ranchi.