Statesman News Service
MALDA, Sept. 24: The Malda district administration has imposed various restrictions on Durga puja committees following instruction from the Pollution Control Board officials. Since Malda is the hometown of environment minister Mr Sailen Sarkar, the district administration is taking no chances as far as pollution is concerned. At a meeting held here on Saturday, the district administration officials told the puja committees not to dump puja requisites such as flowers, garlands, plants, leaves and other waste materials in the Mahananda river during immersion. Though the organisers would be allowed to immerse idols in the Mahananda, they would be asked to ensure that the garbage is cleared after immersion. Though the civic body would take responsibility to clear the river, the organisers will have to pay service charge to them. Meanwhile, the Malda SDO, Ms Arunima De, has expressed concern over alleged extortion by puja organisers in the name of collecting puja subscription. It has been alleged that members of some puja committees are forcibly collecting subscription from drivers and vehicle owners by blocking state and national highways. Officials have alerted the organisers against "extortion". It has also been decided that no new puja will be allowed in the district this year. The puja organisers have been instructed not to encroach additional areas on busy roads in the town. Microphones below 60 decibels will be allowed till 9 p.m. only. The district magistrate, police superintendent, additional district magistrate and sub-divisional officials were present in Saturday's meeting organised by members of the Malda Merchants' Chambers of Commerce. The English Bazaar civic body has promised that it would engage workers to clear waste from river after immersion of idols. The district administration, in collaboration with MMCC, would award three best puja committees.
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