Ahmedabad police Navratri guidelines

As Gujarat gears up to revel in the festive fervour of Navratri, Ahmedabad City Police’s latest guidelines for playing garba has come as a dampener for Gujaratis after Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi announced that garba celebrations can continue until 5 am.

The city police has imposed stricter guidelines, limiting loudspeakers and music systems at garba events until midnight.

The police directive has been issued in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines regarding noise pollution. All garba organisers, both professional and those organising street events, must adhere to this time limit.

Notably, for this year’s Navratri, Ahmedabad has received 80 applications for organising professional garbas, and the organisers selling passes have been mandated to seek permission from the police commissioner’s office.

Key provisions of the guidelines

The Ahmedabad City Police guidelines clearly state that the organisers are responsible for ensuring security, CCTV surveillance, and fire safety measures at garba venues.

All organisers must ensure that the setup of the garba venue does not cause any hindrance or obstruction, and they must also make adequate parking arrangements.

Professional organisers must increase the number of entry and exit gates. Security personnel must be stationed at each gate, and separate emergency exits must be provided.

To ensure the safety of people, women’s safety, and traffic management at garba venues, a designated person must be appointed to prevent individuals under the influence of any substance from entering. The name, address, and mobile number of this person must be submitted to the police station.

Metal detectors, breath analysers, and CCTV cameras must be installed at entry gates, and within the garba venue.

If a person brings a bag or any other item, it must be checked, and a token must be issued for its safekeeping. It should not be allowed inside the venue.

Strong barricades must be set up between the performers and the spectators.

Organisers must not sell or distribute more tickets or passes than the venue’s capacity.

In case of a power outage, generators or alternative arrangements must be in place. A Public Works Department (PWD) certificate must be obtained for the structural integrity of the performing stage.

Security measures must be maintained throughout the day, including surveillance from watchtowers.

Precautions must be taken to prevent any provocations by politicians or other individuals.