Agartala: West Tripura district administration has announced safety and crowd-management measures for Durga Puja, including a ban on high-volume sound systems and DJ boxes in crowded areas.District magistrate Vishal Kumar said puja committees have been instructed to install CCTV cameras, ensure adequate lighting and deploy volunteers to assist festivalgoers. Violators of the noise restrictions will face legal action.The administration stressed the need to protect children, the elderly and people with health concerns. Kumar cited an incident in Pune in which a child reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack during noisy idol immersion festivities.Organisers were directed to arrange backup power through inverters or generators. Committees unable to provide these facilities were advised to keep emergency lighting available for four to five hours.Volunteers wearing distinctive badges or caps must be deployed, while police, Agartala Municipal Corporation and puja committee contact numbers must be displayed at pandal entrances and exits.Each club must install two to three CCTV cameras covering entry points and interior areas. Bright fluorescent signboards, preferably orange or light green, were advised to mark entry and exit routes.Medium and large puja committees were encouraged to arrange ambulances with temporary drivers during peak hours over the coming week.A “No Entry” rule will be enforced from Oct 17 to 21, between 5 pm and 1 am. Vehicle movement will be restricted in specified areas, and vehicles requiring access must carry valid permits.The chief medical officer’s office said hospital outpatient departments statewide would remain open on Oct 19, 22 and 24. Medical teams will also be deployed at key locations during idol immersion.
