Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday announced a slew of guidelines for Durga Puja festivities in the state capital.
A complete ban on obscene dances at melody shows and mandatory parking space for mela/Ravan Podi approval were among the decisions taken at the preparatory meeting attended by BMC Commissioner, Mayor, corporators, police officers, and representatives from various departments, including WATCO and Fire Services.
Besides emphasising on proper parking arrangements, the civic body said the festival venues will be plastic free. Puja committees have been directed not to put up decorative gates on main roads, while all idol immersion points will have control rooms and ambulances on standby.
These apart, the meeting also decided that all road and damaged electric poles and wires will be repaired before the festivities. The Commissioner, Chanchal Rana, has set a deadline in this regard, and announced Rs 5 lakh to each ward for repairing potholes and damaged stretches.
Stray dogs will also be removed from puja pandals to ensure public safety.
Earlier, the Commissionerate Police had imposed strict restrictions on the use of DJ music, laser lights, and firecrackers during the immersion procession. It mandated use of only traditional musical instruments to preserve the sanctity of rituals and reduce noise and light pollution in the neighbourhoods.
Police will distribute awareness messages in puja pandals against drugs.