Patna, March 4: As the state capital gets ready to soak in Holi hues this week, the district administration is taking no chance with the safety of the residents.
District magistrate (DM) Sanjay Kumar Singh today said that 20 designated magistrates would monitor law and order in different areas ofPatna on the day of the festival. “To ensure a peaceful Holi, we have decided to depute 20 magistrates in different parts of the city which are considered sensitive,” said the DM.
Sanjay said Holi would be celebrated on March 8 and 9. “Holika Dahan will be observed on Thursday night and colour will be played on Friday,” the DM said.
The magistrates would be deputed at Pirbhore, Kadamkuan, Kankerbagh, Gardanibagh, Digha, Kotwali, Gandhi Maidan, Buddha Colony, Sri Krishna Puri, Shastri Nagar, Patliputra, Jakkanpur, Phulwari, Ishopur, Gaurichak, Gopalpur, Jaanipur, Bodhgram, Bharatpura and Tum Tum stand.
The DM also promised special measures for safety of women. He warned FIR against revellers found passing lewd comments or teasing women in the name of the festival. “During Holi, some people misbehave with women under the influence of liquor and bhang. They even use special inflammable material during Holika Dahan. We will keep tight vigil on such activities,” he said.
About the duty timings, the DM said: “All the magistrates and police officials would reach their destinations on Wednesday afternoon and remain there till Saturday noon. They will not leave their area in case of any disturbance till they get the permission from the sub-divisional officer.”
Traffic will move as usual on the day of the festival. “There will not be any traffic diversions on Holi. No one should be forced to play Holi if the person is not willing and revellers should avoid mud and chemicals,” said Sanjay.
People in need can call the district control room helpline — 0612-2219810 and 0612-2219234 — or the police helpline — 0612-2223131. The district control room would be functional round the clock, said the DM.
Night patrolling will also be carried out and magistrates will have the power to take immediate action against rowdy elements.
Though dry day has not been announced yet, the DM warned strict action against shop owners found selling the liquor on the day of the festival.
