Latehar: In preparation for Durga Puja celebrations, the Latehar district administration on Friday conducted a joint briefing of magistrates and police officers deputed across the district, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance, effective coordination, and proactive policing to ensure the festival is observed peacefully and harmoniously. The briefing was held at the auditorium of the newly constructed District Control Building under the chairmanship of Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav.
Addressing the gathering, SP Kumar Gaurav stated that maintaining law and order during the festive period remains the administration’s foremost priority. He directed all magistrates and police personnel to discharge their duties with diligence, responsibility, and alertness. Particular emphasis was laid on intensified monitoring of Durga Puja pandals, crowded public places, and sensitive locations. Officials were instructed to respond promptly to any untoward incident and to maintain constant communication among various enforcement agencies for seamless coordination.
For emergency assistance, citizens may contact the 24-hour District Control Room at 06565-247981, Control Room Mobile Number 08987796308, Cyber Cell WhatsApp Number 6206159795, Cyber Cell Mobile Number 9229341575, or dial 112 for immediate support.
The Superintendent of Police further stressed that the success of the festival depends upon the collective efforts of administrative and police officials. He urged personnel to remain vigilant round the clock and ensure that public safety and communal harmony are preserved throughout the celebrations.
DDC Syed Riaz Ahmed, while addressing the officers, underscored the importance of the presence of all deputed magistrates at their assigned locations. He stated that public convenience must remain a key concern during the festival and instructed officials to closely monitor local situations to facilitate the smooth conduct of religious and cultural activities. He also called for effective coordination among all departments to ensure robust administrative arrangements.
The Additional Collector advised officers to execute their assigned responsibilities with utmost seriousness and promptness. He directed personnel to immediately report any law-and-order concern to senior authorities and ensure swift administrative intervention wherever required.
During the briefing, officials were instructed to remain stationed at their respective deployment points and maintain uninterrupted communication with one another. Special attention was directed towards crowd management and security arrangements at major Puja venues and other locations expected to witness significant public gatherings. Authorities were also asked to remain watchful against rumours and misinformation, particularly on social media platforms, and take timely action to prevent any situation that could disturb public order.
The district administration appealed to citizens to cooperate with authorities during the festive period. Residents have been urged not to believe or circulate unverified information and to follow all advisories issued by the administration.
Following the briefing, SP Kumar Gaurav inspected the newly established District Control Room operating from the District Control Building. He reviewed its operational preparedness and assessed the facilities put in place for monitoring and emergency response. Officials informed that the control room is fully functional and equipped to facilitate immediate action on law-and-order-related information during Durga Puja.
The district administration stated that continuous monitoring of the situation across the district is being carried out through the control room, enabling swift coordination among concerned officials and ensuring timely response to any emergency.
Among those present on the occasion were Deputy Development Commissioner Syed Riaz Ahmed, Additional Collector Salman Zafar Khizri, DLO Prabhat Kumar, Deputy Election Officer Mary Madki, the Sub-Divisional Officers of Latehar and Mahuadanr, deputed magistrates, police officers, district-level officials, Block Development Officers, Circle Officers, and Station House Officers.