Govt prepares action plan for Durga idol immersions
NEWDELHI: The Delhi government has started preparations for idol immersions after Durga Puja in October to avoid any untoward incident like drowning or stampede.
Earlier this month, three people drowned in the Yamuna during the immersion of Ganesh idols.
“Last week, a meeting of different government departments was called to prepare a roadmap, which will ensure no untoward incident takes place during idol immersions at the seven Yamuna ghats. These designated ghats are Kudsia, Geeta, Haathi, Shyam, Kalindi Kunj, Mayur Vihar and Geeta Colony,” a Delhi government official said.
According to him, divers from the National Disaster Response Force have been asked to keep strict vigil during the immersions. “Boats, life jackets and special rescue swimmers will be deployed at all the immersion sites. The fire department has been told to keep its personnel posted at all the ghats.
“The police have been asked to deploy sufficient personnel so that they can frisk people coming to the ghats. We will have all required arrangements in place. Residents just need to cooperate with us,” the official said.
Officials of the irrigation and flood control department, Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police, the three municipal corporations, BSES discoms, Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS), Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, fire department and Delhi Jal Board, among others, participated in last week’s meeting.
Last year, 200-odd Durga Pujas were organised in the city with the number expected to increase this year. Beat constables have been asked to interact with all the Durga Puja organising committees and idol makers to sensitise them regarding various environmental norms and National Green Tribunal orders.
Last year, the National Green Tribunal had said idol immersion in the Yamuna was not completely prohibited but can be done only from designated places. It had also asked the ministry of environment and forests, Delhi government, the Central Pollution Control Board and civic bodies to constitute a committee and designate more space for idol immersion.