Ahead of Durga Puja, district magistrate N. Saravana Kumar on Thursday conducted important meetings with the police and officials of Patna Municipal Corporation on law and order issues.

In a meeting held at the collectorate, the district magistrate directed all puja samitis to get licences from the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO). He added that in the application, the samitis have to mention the locations where the idols would be placed, the routes that the samitis would take immersion and name of the ghats where the idols will be immersed.

The decision was taken in the meeting with the police and the municipal corporation to ensure a hassle-free Durga Puja this year.

“Before handing over the licences, the police will have to ensure that the pandals are not being erected in the middle of the road and there are no naked wires. A no-objection certificate from the energy department has to be ensured. Fire extinguishers should be kept in every pandal,” Kumar said.

He added that all sub-divisional officers (SDOs) under CrPC 107 and 103 should take prohibitory action against all criminals to ensure peace in their respective areas.

The senior superintendent of police has asked all station house officers to ensure proper law and order is followed, failing which strict action would be initiated against them.

The district magistrate directed the SDOs and SDPOs to hold a peace meet in which the block development officers (BDOs) and circle officers (COs) in their respective divisions should be invited.

“During the meeting, a point was also raised regarding senior citizens. They should be taken into consideration and the police should act for them as well. The information must be shared with the district administration and the SSP, Patna,” Kumar said.

He has asked the police to rein in on bikers, who drive rashly during the festive season, including Id.

The DM also instructed officials of the excise department to conduct raids to curb illegal sale of liquor.