Kolkata: The online single-click permission system, Sahaj, a platform to apply for puja permissions, this time for Kali Puja , will be launched on Monday, a day after Lakshmi Puja.
A 20-point guideline has already been issued, mandating strict compliance with environmental norms, public safety and crowd control measures. They also have to deploy trained volunteers for crowd management, maintain 24-hour CCTV coverage or volunteer supervision until immersion. No firecrackers above 90 decibels can be used. Police have been told to be present at pandals, especially between Nov 6 and 9 and on 12, even post 11 pm. Kolkata Police has started to check for illegal firecrackers at its 15 checkpoints, set up at entry points of the city.
Police top brass have told all OCs to remind Kali Puja organisers that the puja and immersions must follow all rules, laid down by courts and the administration. OCs concerned will be hauled up for any violation, a senior officer said. Rooftops cannot be used to burst crackers,” police said.
Puja committees have been directed to set up separate entrances and exits, maintain alternative power sources and keep fire safety equipment, including sand-filled buckets and extinguishers. Mobile toilets, especially for women, and help desks have also been made mandatory near pandals. “There cannot be any use of loud, DJ music, only green firecrackers can be burst within the specified time slot and not near any electrical connections.