SHILLONG, OCT 14: East Khasi Hills DC Abhilash Baranwal on Wednesday said action will be taken against Durga Puja pandals built on PWD roads from next year, following objections by pressure groups over public inconvenience.
He said sector magistrates have been asked to coordinate with local dorbars, police and other stakeholders to ensure no inconvenience is caused while respecting religious rights.
On the RR Colony pandal, one of 69 pandals in the city, Baranwal said the sector magistrate has held 2-3 rounds of meetings with the local dorbar. Since relocation at this stage would pose severe practical difficulties, construction has been allowed as per PWD NOC for this year, but committees have been warned that such arrangements will not be allowed in future.
Police have been instructed to deploy sufficient personnel and minimize diversions in length and duration to prevent traffic congestion.
On immersion, the DC said riverfront development has reduced the ghat’s capacity from five simultaneous immersions. To manage the rush, staggered timings will be given sector-wise after mapping travel time of each pandal to the immersion site.
By Our Reporter
