Ranchi: Durga Puja celebrations concluded peacefully across Ranchi city and the district amid grandeur, enthusiasm and communal harmony. According to the district administration, law and order remained normal in both urban and rural areas throughout the festivities. Administrative and police teams remained active to ensure adequate security, smooth traffic movement, sanitation, drinking water and uninterrupted electricity. This year, puja pandals also carried an important message promoting a drug-free society.
Preparations Led by the Deputy Commissioner and SSP
Under the leadership of District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, the administration held several meetings to review preparations for Durga Puja. Comprehensive security arrangements were made under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan.
Officials inspected puja pandals, procession routes and crowded areas to monitor arrangements. Committees were instructed to follow safety norms, manage crowds effectively and ensure the convenience of devotees.
Puja Pandals Spread the Message of a Drug-Free Society
This year, the Information and Public Relations Department placed special emphasis on drug-awareness activities during Durga Puja. Under the campaign promoted by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, flex banners highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse and the benefits of a drug-free life were displayed at puja pandals in urban and rural areas of the district.
The initiative aimed to reach a large number of people during the festive season and encourage them, particularly young people, to stay away from substance abuse. The campaign also sought to promote awareness and encourage collective efforts towards building a healthier society.
CCTV Surveillance and Extensive Security Arrangements
CCTV cameras were used to monitor crowded areas and maintain security during the celebrations. Police personnel, including women officers and plainclothes staff, were deployed at strategic locations. Magistrates were assigned to different areas, while social media platforms were monitored to enable timely action against misleading information or objectionable activities.
Roads leading to puja pandals were repaired, and arrangements were made for regular cleaning and drinking water facilities. During idol immersion, local divers and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were deployed at various ghats and ponds. Police personnel managed security and traffic arrangements throughout the immersion process.
Municipal Corporation and Other Departments Played Key Roles
Special arrangements were made to ensure smooth traffic movement along crowded stretches and procession routes. Senior police officers and traffic personnel monitored the situation continuously, while administrative officials visited different areas to inspect pandals and procession routes.
The Ranchi Municipal Corporation managed sanitation, waste disposal and cleanliness around puja pandals. The electricity department deployed technical teams to maintain an uninterrupted power supply, while the Road Construction Department helped repair roads leading to puja venues and facilitate smooth movement.
These coordinated efforts helped ensure that devotees could participate in the celebrations with greater convenience and that essential civic services remained available throughout the festive period.
Peace Committees and Social Organisations Extend Support
Peace committees, Durga Puja committees and several social organisations played an important role in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the celebrations.
Organisations including Shanti Seva Samiti, Hindpiri; Yuva Dasta; Jharkhand Tanzeem; Central Muharram Committee; and Sarvadharm Sadbhawna Samiti coordinated with the administration and extended their support.
Local residents, public representatives and ward councillors also contributed to improving arrangements and maintaining communal harmony. Cooperation among different communities and organisations helped preserve a peaceful and cordial atmosphere during the festivities.
Deputy Commissioner Thanks Officials and Residents
Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri expressed gratitude to administrative and police officers, magistrates, peace committees, puja committees, social organisations and residents for their cooperation in ensuring the peaceful completion of Durga Puja.
He also appreciated the contribution of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation, electricity department, Road Construction Department and other government personnel.
Bhajantri said the collective cooperation, coordination and dedication of all stakeholders had enabled Durga Puja to conclude peacefully and on a grand scale across Ranchi district.
