Wardha SP briefs Durga mandals on security, noise and laser curbs ahead of Navratri

A meeting of office-bearers of Durga mandals from across Wardha district was held at the Superintendent of Police's office so that Navratri 2026 passes peacefully, with discipline and in a safe atmosphere. The meeting was held at 12 noon on October 5, 2026, under the chairmanship of Wardha Superintendent of Police Saurabh Kumar Agrawal.

At the meeting, the Superintendent of Police gave office-bearers the necessary guidance and instructions on law and order during Navratri, control of noise pollution, the District Magistrate's order banning laser lights, and the prohibitory order on the use of DJ systems issued under Section 163 of the BNSS.

Office-bearers were told to maintain law and order, keep noise pollution in check, comply with orders issued under Sections 36 and 38 of the Maharashtra Police Act, and strictly follow the directions given from time to time by the Supreme Court and the High Court. It was also made clear that legal action would be taken as per rules against those who violate the orders.

Instructions were also given on proper planning of garba and dandiya events, the safety of women and girls, pandal and fire safety, CCTV, traffic and parking arrangements, and control of social media and rumours. Events for Navratri and garba-dandiya must be held only after obtaining the required permissions. Loudspeakers must be used only within the prescribed rules and time limits. Banned laser lights must not be used. Venues should have adequate lighting, women volunteers and security volunteers should be deployed, and CCTV should be arranged.

Giving first priority to the safety of women and girls, mandals were urged to adopt a "Zero Tolerance" policy against molestation and misbehaviour. Citizens were told that if they see a suspicious person or object, or anything wrong, they should not take the law into their own hands and should inform the police immediately. They were asked not to spread rumours, unverified information or content that creates religious or social tension on social media, and to cooperate with the police administration to maintain social peace, safety and brotherhood.

Under the concept of "one mandal, one responsible office-bearer, one police officer", every mandal was asked to name one responsible office-bearer for coordination with the police, who would stay in regular touch with the concerned police officer.

This year the Wardha district police have organised the "Navdurga Samman-2026" award competition through Navratri at police station level. It will promote work on the Damini Pathak, information on government schemes for women, women's empowerment and social awareness, girl/women pride, women's leadership and participation in decision-making, women's economic self-reliance, entrepreneurship, girls' education, career and leadership development, social commitment and community-useful initiatives, environment and cleanliness, safe festival management and police coordination, and new ideas and overall organisation, along with initiatives under the "Save Water" concept. Durga mandals doing the best work in these areas will be honoured with awards at police station and district levels, the Superintendent of Police said.

The Superintendent of Police said the police administration and Durga mandals share responsibility for making a "safe Navratri" a reality, so all mandals should cooperate with the police. Because drought-like conditions have developed in the state this year, he appealed to mandals to adopt the "Save Water" concept and spread awareness about saving water and water conservation. He also addressed the difficulties and problems raised by the office-bearers present, offered guidance, and extended Navratri greetings to the people of Wardha.

Those present included Pramod Makeshwar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), the inspectors of the Local Crime Branch and the District Special Branch, and the station house officers of Wardha city, Sevagram and Sawangi. Office-bearers of various Durga mandals in the district also attended. All sub-divisional police officers and officers in charge of all police stations in the district joined through video conferencing.