“Only those who follow the Sanatan faith should touch the idols,” West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari asserted while inspecting Durga idol immersion arrangements at Baje Kadamtala Ghat in Kolkata. Emphasising the sanctity of religious rituals, Adhikari maintained that only followers of the Sanatan faith should be entrusted with handling the idols during immersion, insisting that the directive should not be interpreted as communal.

As Durga Puja approaches its conclusion, Adhikari visited the ghat to review security arrangements, disaster preparedness and measures to ensure the smooth conduct of immersion ceremonies. He was accompanied by Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Chief Administrator Smita Pandey and other senior administrative officials.

Speaking during the inspection, Adhikari stressed that idol immersion was primarily a religious ritual and that its traditional practices must be preserved.

“To maintain this sanctity, we must adhere to the traditions, heritage, scriptures and protocols that have been followed for thousands of years. This is, first and foremost, a religious ritual.

While it is a festival, that aspect is secondary; the primary concern is upholding religious tradition,” he said.

Reiterating his position, Adhikari stated, “Those who practice the Sanatan faith are the ones who should handle the idols—there is no communalism in this.”

He also said that the remaining idol structures would be removed from the ghats after immersion in accordance with established procedures. The removal would preferably be carried out during the early morning hours to minimise risks and prevent untoward incidents.

Additional security measures at immersion ghats

Referring to shortcomings and tragic incidents in previous years, Adhikari said additional precautions had been taken this time to ensure the safety of devotees and personnel involved in immersion activities.

Apart from the state police, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Kolkata Port Trust have been deployed to strengthen safety arrangements and emergency response mechanisms.

He stressed that police, administrative officials and disaster management personnel must remain vigilant and maintain professional standards throughout the immersion process.

Acknowledging the distress caused by previous tragedies, Adhikari said the incidents would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken against those found responsible. He, however, expressed confidence in the present administrative arrangements.

Special vigilance at Taki and Ichamati river

Adhikari also expressed concern over safety arrangements for idol immersion along the Ichamati River at Taki, where large gatherings and the movement of boats pose additional risks.

He emphasised the need for mandatory life jackets, proper weight distribution and strict measures to prevent overcrowding on local boats and dinghies.

According to him, personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) and NDRF have been deployed in the area. A cabinet minister and an officer of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank have also been assigned to supervise the arrangements.

He underscored the importance of coordination among security agencies, disaster management teams and local authorities to prevent accidents during the immersion ceremonies.

Plans to visit 19 bereaved families by October 24

During the inspection, Adhikari also outlined plans to visit families affected by recent tragic stampede incident and extend assistance in addressing their difficulties.

“I will begin from New Barrackpore and continue up to New Town. I plan to meet with all 19 families by the 24th,” he said.

He explained that the visits would be undertaken in the presence of local administrative and police officials to address the legal, administrative and financial challenges faced by the bereaved families.

Adhikari further said he would continue inspecting various riverbanks during the immersion period to personally monitor safety arrangements and ensure coordination among the agencies involved.

The inspection comes amid heightened concerns over crowd management and public safety during Durga Puja festivities, with authorities focusing on preventing accidents while ensuring that traditional immersion rituals are conducted without disruption.

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