Shillong, 15 October (HS): The East Khasi Hills district administration has permitted Durga Puja committees to retain pandals occupying portions of Public Works Department (PWD) roads during this year's festivities, while making it clear that such arrangements will not be allowed in subsequent years.

Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said last night that the decision was taken after consultations with local stakeholders amid concerns raised by several pressure groups over traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters, particularly in the RR Colony and Lachumiere-Laitumkhrah areas.

Addressing a press briefing, Baranwal said the administration had conducted several rounds of discussions through sector magistrates with local Dorbar Shnongs, police station officers-in-charge and other stakeholders to resolve the issue.

He explained that the objections surfaced at an advanced stage of preparations, leaving the puja committees with little time to relocate their pandals. Following consultations with the respective Dorbar Shnongs, the administration allowed the construction to proceed in accordance with the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the PWD.

Of the 69 Durga Puja pandals in the district, only one has traditionally occupied a portion of a PWD road, primarily the pandal at RR Colony, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner added that the administration was coordinating with the Superintendent of Police's office to minimise traffic diversions and reduce inconvenience during the festival. Adequate traffic personnel will be deployed to regulate vehicle movement and prevent major congestion on the main days of Durga Puja.

Baranwal stressed that roadside pandals obstructing public roads would not be permitted in future years. He urged puja committees and local stakeholders to plan celebrations well in advance and ensure that religious festivities do not cause unnecessary hardship to commuters.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash