Sri Vijaya Puram | October 10, 2026
The District Administration, South Andaman, has issued a set of safety and regulatory directives for all Durga Puja Committees and organisers ahead of Durga Puja Celebrations–2026, which will commence on October 18 and conclude with the immersion of idols.
The directives aim to ensure the peaceful, safe and orderly conduct of the celebrations. All Puja Committees and organisers have been instructed to strictly comply with prescribed safety norms, statutory regulations and instructions issued by the competent authorities.
As per the directives, persons under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances will not be permitted to participate in idol immersion processions. The consumption of alcohol and intoxicants by Puja Committee members, volunteers, drivers and other participants has been strictly prohibited. Committees have also been directed to deploy adequate volunteers to maintain discipline throughout the celebrations and immersion processions.
The Administration has directed that the use of loudspeakers must cease by 10:00 PM, with sound levels maintained within the prescribed permissible limits. Only devotional music shall be played, and violations may invite appropriate legal action.
To prevent overcrowding, only a limited and necessary number of persons will be allowed to accompany each idol during immersion. Committees have been instructed to avoid unnecessary gatherings and ensure that processions are conducted in an orderly manner.
The height of Durga idols has been restricted to below 16 feet to prevent accidents involving overhead high-tension electrical lines.
Regarding fire safety, all Puja pandals must have adequate firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers, sand and water buckets. Kitchens must be located at a safe distance from the pandals, and all necessary fire safety precautions must be followed.
The Administration has also issued directions on electrical safety. All electrical installations must use ISI-marked insulated wiring with proper earthing, and Puja Committees must obtain the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Electricity Department. Decorative lighting must not be hung across roads, while adequate lighting and necessary power backup arrangements must be ensured.
For traffic and immersion route management, all Puja Committees have been instructed to coordinate with the Police Department regarding designated immersion routes and inform the authorities in advance about the date and time of immersion.
The Administration has further directed all committees to obtain the requisite permissions and clearances from the concerned departments before conducting the celebrations and immersion processions. To facilitate the process, a single-window facilitation counter is being established at the District Control Room to receive and process applications and issue consolidated permissions after obtaining the necessary departmental clearances.
The District Administration has urged all Puja Committees and organisers to adhere to the directives to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of Durga Puja celebrations across South Andaman.
