Stern action against violators of COVID-19 guidelines during Durga Puja: DCP

Cuttack: With a few days left for the Durga Puja celebration, the Cuttack police has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festival in adherence to all COVID-19 guidelines set by the state Government.

Briefing mediapersons about the arrangements, DCP Prateek Singh said 30 platoons of police force and 100 officers will be deployed in the city during the festival.  He said strict vigil will be made  to ensure that all COVID-19 guidelines, mainly the social distancing norm, are followed at every Puja pandal or Mandap.

Stern action will be taken against the violators, he added.

“All puja committees have been directed to ensure that no crowd gathers in front of the Mandap/pandal and all COVID-19 restrictions are followed,” said the DCP

Yesterday, the Orissa High Court (HC) gave green signal to nine puja committees in the city that have constructed Durga idols taller than 4 feet stipulated by the state Government as part of the guidelines for the upcoming festival.

Also Read: Odisha HC Allows 9 Durga Puja Committees For Taller Idols In Cuttack

The court also asked  all puja committees to ensure smooth conduct of the festival in adherence to all other restrictions imposed by the state Government.  However, the administration will make all arrangements for immersion of the idols, the HC said.