Cuttack: The Orissa High Court Thursday issued strict directions for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations in Cuttack.
The court ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on forcible collection of puja donations.
The court imposed restrictions on the construction of tall decorative gates and banned electric gates, citing public safety. Puja committees will be permitted to erect gates only if safety standards are met. DJs will be allowed, but sound levels must remain within 65 decibels, the bench of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice V Narasingh ordered.
The District Collector was asked to review gate designs submitted by puja committees before granting approval and to implement a single-window system for permissions relating to gates and safety. The court also prohibited the use of laser lights.
Raising concern over noise pollution, the bench directed the collector to ensure limits are enforced. It criticised traffic problems during festivals and directed WATCO to supply safe drinking water. The Cuttack Municipal Corporation was asked to monitor adulterated food sales.
The court instructed that these directions be presented in preparatory meetings of puja committees.
PNN