District Administration issues safety advisory for chhath puja

way2barak October 22: As the sacred festival of Chhath Puja draws near, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Cachar, has issued a comprehensive advisory urging all devotees and citizens to observe the rituals with devotion, discipline, and utmost regard for safety and environmental protection. The district administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure a peaceful and incident-free celebration across the district.

In its public appeal, the DDMA has emphasized the importance of performing all rituals only at officially designated ghats that have been prepared and inspected by the district administration. Devotees have been advised to strictly follow the safety protocols and cooperate with security personnel, SDRF teams, and local administration officials deployed at various locations. Citizens are also urged to remain vigilant while near riverbanks and water bodies, particularly while assisting children and elderly devotees during the puja rituals.

The advisory further stresses the need for proper waste disposal by requesting devotees to place all offerings, flowers, and biodegradable materials only in the collection bins provided at ghats. Lighting diyas and candles should be done cautiously to prevent fire hazards, and everyone is urged to maintain peace, patience, and discipline throughout the observance.

Highlighting environmental responsibility, the DDMA has strictly prohibited the use of plastic or polythene bags, bottles, and non-biodegradable materials near water bodies. Devotees are reminded not to immerse idols or non-organic items in rivers or ponds to protect aquatic ecosystems. Overcrowding at ghats is to be avoided, and participants are advised to remain within marked safe zones while performing rituals.

Meanwhile,the administration has also cautioned against blocking roads or access routes, which must remain clear for emergency vehicles and rescue services. Diyas and lamps should not be placed near flammable objects to avoid accidental fires, and devotees are urged to leave no litter behind, keeping the ghats and surroundings clean for all.

The DDMA Cachar reiterated that full cooperation with officials and volunteers is essential to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the festival. Any disregard for safety instructions could endanger lives and disrupt the sanctity of the celebration.

For any emergency assistance, citizens may contact the District Disaster Management Authority at 03842-239249 ,03842-234005 or mobile number 94016-24141, or reach out via email at ddma-cachar@assam.gov.in.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.