JAMSHEDPUR: The East Singhbhum district administration has said though "bhog" distribution cannot be done at the Durga Puja pandals, the organising committee can make arrangements for its home delivery to the homes of devotees and patrons.
Additional district magistrate (law and order) Nand Kishore Lal said the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations should not be allowed to spread the Covid-19 infection, leading to a third wave, under any circumstances.
Earlier, senior BJP leader Abhay Singh had asked the state government to lift the ban on “bhog” distribution.
Lal also said minors are not allowed near the puja pandals and the organizing committee members are fully responsible to ensure implementation of the orders.
He underlined that only vaccinated committee members and priests will be allowed inside the pandals and near the deity.
Lal warned that flying squads will make surprise inspections of the puja pandals and stringent action will be initiated against those committees flouting the rules.
He further said the earlier government order to set up only small pandals, the cap on idol heights at five feet and no decoration or welcome gates still stands.
Social distancing near the pandals is a must and there should not be any kind of crowding at any place, Lal said.
Lal further said loudspeakers can be used only during the chanting of “mantras” by the priests and not for any other purpose.
The district magistrate added that though the Covid numbers have come down considerably in East Singhbhum and the state, the fear of a third wave persists.
Meanwhile, personnel of police stations concerned will meet “Shanti Samitis” of the Durga Puja organisers next week.
