Kolkata, 24 October (H.S.): Taking strict cognizance of traffic disruptions and the chaos that unfolded during the Durga Puja idol immersions, the local administration has launched a massive drive to restore normalcy in the city. On Saturday, Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh, accompanied by the Police Commissioner, the Municipal Commissioner, and other top officials, conducted a thorough inspection of several major arterial roads.

During the inspection, the administration issued a strict directive to all Puja committees to immediately dismantle and remove the temporary welcome gates and structures erected on the streets to ensure smooth and unhindered vehicular movement. MLA Ghosh emphasized that there should be no unnecessary delay in clearing these structures, stressing that the city’s roads must be fully opened for public transit at the earliest. The inspection team also laid special emphasis on streamlining and improving the city's parking management system.

Serious concerns were raised regarding the blatant violation of safety norms during the immersion processions. Officials highlighted issues such as severe overcrowding in immersion vehicles and reckless driving. Citing a specific instance, Ghosh noted that the situation deteriorated so significantly during one club's immersion rally that municipal corporation workers had to physically intervene to manage the chaos. He issued a stern warning, clarifying that the administration has actively identified and compiled the details of the Puja committees involved in the mismanagement.

Addressing the broader responsibilities of the organizers, the MLA stated that Puja committees must prioritize public safety and efficient crowd management alongside their festive celebrations. To prevent a repeat of such chaos and to ensure a safer, more organized festival next year, the administration announced plans to formulate and issue a new set of comprehensive guidelines by December or January.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh