As Guwahati gears up for the grand celebration of Durga Puja, the city’s Puja committees are facing significant Guwahati Durga Puja infrastructure challenges related to poor road conditions and bureaucratic hurdles. With over 450 Puja committees preparing for the festivities, the recent meeting convened by the Guwahati Police Commissionerate highlighted several pressing issues that need immediate attention.
Infrastructure Woes
One of the primary concerns raised by the Puja committees is the poor condition of roads in various localities. Areas like Chandmari and Rukminigaon are particularly affected, where ongoing construction work has left little space for traversing to the pandals. The absence of a Public Works Department (PWD) representative at the meeting only deepened frustrations, as no one was available to address these infrastructure issues.
Committee members emphasized the need for better road conditions to ensure smooth access to the pandals. The poor infrastructure not only hampers the movement of devotees but also poses safety risks, especially during the peak days of the festival.
Bureaucratic Challenges
In addition to infrastructure problems, the Puja committees are also grappling with bureaucratic challenges. The current system requires committees to comply with extensive documentation, which many find cumbersome. A suggestion for a single window system to streamline the process was made, but it was deemed impractical under the current setup.
Commissioner of Police Diganta Barah acknowledged the merit of the suggestion but explained that permissions must be granted by the police station responsible for the area where the pandals are set up. This decentralized approach, while necessary for security reasons, adds to the administrative burden on the committees.
Safety and Environmental Guidelines
Despite these challenges, the authorities have issued detailed safety and environmental guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe celebration. The guidelines include specific directives for the immersion of idols at eight designated ghats: Lachit, Choonsali, Pandu, Basistha, Saukuchi, Hatisila, Govardhan, and Old Digaru.
An Inland Water Transport (IWT) official assured the committee members that safety provisions would be made at all ghats, including the availability of boats for public safety. Additionally, the Pollution Control Board (PCB) has emphasized the need for eco-friendly practices during the celebrations.
The PCB has prohibited the use of single-use plastics, Plaster of Paris, synthetic paints, and non-biodegradable materials in idol construction and decorations. Music will also be regulated to comply with permissible noise levels and timings.
The Way Forward
While the authorities have taken steps to address safety and environmental concerns, the unresolved issues of poor infrastructure and bureaucratic hurdles continue to cast a shadow over the celebrations. The Puja committees are hopeful that their concerns will be addressed promptly to ensure a hassle-free and joyous Durga Puja for all.
The need for better infrastructure and streamlined administrative processes is crucial for the successful conduct of such large-scale events. As Guwahati continues to grow and evolve, addressing these challenges will be essential for the city’s future festivals and celebrations.
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FAQs
What are the main infrastructure challenges faced by the Puja committees in Guwahati?
The main infrastructure challenges include poor road conditions in areas like Chandmari and Rukminigaon, which hinder access to the pandals and pose safety risks.
What bureaucratic challenges are the Puja committees dealing with?
The committees face cumbersome documentation requirements and have suggested a single window system to streamline the process, although this has been deemed impractical under the current setup.
What safety measures have been implemented for Durga Puja in Guwahati?
Safety measures include designated ghats for idol immersion, availability of boats for public safety, and regulations on music to comply with permissible noise levels.
What environmental guidelines have been issued for the celebrations?
The guidelines prohibit the use of single-use plastics, Plaster of Paris, synthetic paints, and non-biodegradable materials in idol construction and decorations.
How are the authorities addressing the concerns of the Puja committees?
While safety and environmental guidelines have been issued, the concerns regarding poor infrastructure and bureaucratic hurdles remain unresolved, with authorities promising efforts to streamline processes wherever possible.
