On Saturday, a meeting of the Peace Committee was held at the Red Cross building to discuss security arrangements for the upcoming Holi and Shab-e-Barat festivals. The Raipur Collector, Dr. Sarveshwar Bhure, and SSP Prashant Agarwal, led the meeting with community leaders, including the Chairman of Birgaon Municipal Corporation, Mr. Nandlal Dewangan, and Additional Collector, Mr. N.R. Sahu, among others. The Peace Committee members were congratulated on previous successful festivals, and given necessary instructions to ensure peaceful celebrations this year.
To maintain peace and order, the police will increase their presence and keep a watchful eye on all activities. During the meeting, it was decided to ban the use and display of weapons during the Holi festival. In addition, sound amplifiers can only be used in a low tone until 10 pm, and donations will not be accepted to prevent forceful collection. The police will increase bike patrolling and provide special water arrangements in Raipur and Birgaon from March 7 to 9.
To prevent any incidents during Holika Dahan, sand will be poured on the fire, and electricity and cleanliness arrangements will be made by the Municipal Corporation Raipur. Holika Dahan must be done on the side of the road, and not near electric wires or telephone poles. In addition, no color or gulal will be thrown at moving vehicles, and liquor shops will remain closed during Holi as per government policy.
The police department will maintain a close watch on potential troublemakers and take strict action when necessary. In order to ensure better security arrangements and peaceful festivals, necessary guidelines were given to Additional SPs, CSPs, and station in-charges of the district. The police will deploy jawans at all square-intersections and sufficient forces will be deployed at all places. CCTV cameras will also be used to monitor people’s activities.
