Rourkela: Fifty-eight Akhada committees will be allowed to hold Ram Navami processions in Odisha’s Rourkela between April 17 and 21 in strict adherence to the election code of conduct and with permission from the administration.
With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Sundargarh district, the administration has cautioned the Akhada Committees to abide by the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Elaborate security arrangements are being made in the steel city to ensure peaceful Ram Navami celebrations. Necessary facilities will also be put in place for people and visitors keeping the heat wave in view.
As per reports, a coordination meeting was held on Saturday by the DIG of police in charge of Rourkela, SP Brijesh Kumar Rai, along with Rourkela ADM Ashutosh Kulkarni, with members of the Akhada Committees. The officials apprised the committees about the dos and don’ts to be followed during the processions.
Of the 58 Akhada Committees in the city, special attention is focused on 15 committees along the Rourkela main road, which have been permitted to conduct processions through the main road on April 18 between 2 pm and 7 pm.
The SP advised the Akhada Committee members to maintain discipline and communal harmony for the peaceful conduct of the processions.
Underlining the need to strictly adhere to the MCC, the officials said that political individuals may participate in personal capacity, but party symbols or speeches will not be allowed. Violators of election guidelines or those making hate speech or hurting religious sentiments will be booked.
The committees have also been asked to avoid sound pollution, obtain prior permissions from the administration, and coordinate with respective police stations.
As heat wave is prevailing across the state, the district administration will make necessary arrangements for drinking water and resting sheds.