SMC Calls Meeting With Durga Puja Committees To Discuss Preparations, Says No to Roadside Pandals

The Silchar Municipal Corporation has called a meeting on September 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Gandhi Bhawan auditorium, Park Road, Silchar, to discuss the arrangements for the forthcoming Durga Puja festival with the Civil and Police administration as well as Durga Puja Committees.

Addressing the press on Thursday (September 11), Municipal Commissioner Srishti Singh said, “This year, our focus is on ensuring that Durga Puja is celebrated in a more organised, well-managed, and eco-friendly manner. We aim to complete the immersion process within two days. Additionally, we are introducing a Swachh Pandal competition, where the top three committees maintaining the highest levels of cleanliness and hygiene will be awarded cash prizes. To coordinate this initiative, we have invited all Puja Committees for a detailed discussion in the upcoming meeting.”

The corporation further informed that, to promote a zero-waste celebration, single-use plastics will be strictly banned at pandals, while eco-friendly alternatives like banana leaves will be encouraged. Dustbins will be placed at pandals and ghats, and bleaching powder will be used after immersion to maintain hygiene. Puja Committees are urged to arrange labourers for carrying idols and ensure cleanliness at every pandal.

On the issue of pandals blocking roads, Singh firmly stated that no such structures would be allowed. “We will not grant permission for pandals that obstruct roads, nor will we provide them with municipal facilities. In consultation with the police, we have decided to strengthen enforcement to remove such illegal constructions. Our goal is to ensure that all roads remain free of obstructions during the festival. Any pandal erected on a road without approval will be deemed illegal, and strict action will be taken under the relevant provisions of law,” she added.

The upcoming meeting will finalise key decisions regarding immersion schedules, eco-friendly practices, cleanliness drives, and law enforcement measures to ensure a smooth and safe Durga Puja celebration in the city.