Sri Vijaya Puram, October 10: The District Administration of South Andaman has issued a set of safety and compliance directives for Durga Puja committees and organisers ahead of celebrations beginning on October 18, 2026, with the rules covering idol immersion processions, loudspeaker use, fire prevention, electrical installations and traffic management.
The directions require organisers to follow statutory regulations and instructions issued by competent authorities, with violations of applicable rules liable to legal action. The measures also seek to prevent overcrowding during immersion and reduce risks associated with overhead high-tension power lines and unsafe festival installations.
Under the guidelines, no person under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances will be allowed to participate in an idol immersion procession. Puja committee members, volunteers, drivers and other participants are prohibited from consuming alcohol or intoxicants. Organisers must deploy enough volunteers to maintain discipline during the celebrations and processions.
Loudspeaker use must stop by 10 pm, and sound levels must remain within prescribed permissible limits. Organisers may play only devotional music, with violations attracting appropriate legal action.
The administration has also restricted the number of people accompanying each idol during immersion to those considered necessary. Committees must prevent unnecessary gatherings and overcrowding and ensure that processions proceed in an orderly manner. Durga idols must remain below 16 feet in height to prevent accidents involving overhead high-tension electrical lines.
Fire safety requirements apply to all Puja pandals. Organisers must keep fire extinguishers, sand and water buckets readily available and locate kitchens at a safe distance from the pandals. They must also follow the necessary fire prevention precautions.
For electrical safety, committees must use ISI-marked insulated wiring and ensure proper earthing. They must obtain the required no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Electricity Department. Decorative lighting must not be suspended across roads, while adequate illumination and power backup arrangements must be in place.
Traffic and immersion arrangements will require advance coordination with the Police Department. Committees must confirm designated immersion routes with the authorities and provide prior information about the date and time of each immersion.
Organisers must secure all required permissions and clearances from the concerned departments before holding celebrations or immersion processions. To facilitate applications, the administration is establishing a single-window counter at the District Control Room. The counter will receive and process applications and issue consolidated permissions after obtaining the necessary departmental clearances.
The celebrations will conclude with the immersion of Durga idols, with organisers required to comply with the prescribed conditions throughout the festival.
