2 hrs ago
Laser Lights Banned at Kolkata Puja Pandals Near Airport
Police near Kolkata airport have banned laser lights at Durga Puja pandals this year.
Bright beams can distract pilots or make it harder for them to see.
This is especially risky when planes are landing.
In 2021, pilots reported trouble from a laser show at a Lake Town pandal, and the show was stopped.
Police also said drones need permission and DJs cannot be used at pandals or processions.
At a meeting, organisers of about 1,001 pujas heard the rules.
Police asked them to make visits easier for older people and children.
They also said they would work on concerns about roads, water and lighting.
Bidhannagar police banned laser lights at Durga Puja pandals this year to protect flights landing at Kolkata airport.
The rule was announced at a Wednesday evening coordination meeting attended by organisers of about 1,001 pujas.
Police also said drones require permission and DJs are not allowed at pandals or processions.
A 2021 laser show at a Lake Town pandal was stopped after pilots reportedly said its beams made landing difficult.
Police also urged organisers to consider elderly visitors and children and said they would address concerns about roads, water and lighting.
- Who
- Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate and organisers of about 1,001 pujas.
- What
- Police banned laser lights at Durga Puja pandals and set out other event rules.
- Where
- Areas under the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate near Kolkata airport.
- When
- The ban was announced at a Wednesday evening meeting; it applies this year.
- Why
- To reduce the risk that laser beams could interfere with pilots during flight approaches and landings.
Key facts
- Authority
- Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate
- Meeting
- Durga Puja Co-ordination Meeting at New Town Convention Centre
- Puja organisers represented
- About 1,001 pujas
- Other restrictions
- Drones require permission; DJs are not allowed at pandals or processions.
- Prior laser incident
- A laser show at Sreebhumi Sporting Club’s Lake Town pandal was stopped in 2021 after pilots reportedly raised concerns.
- Additional guidance
- Organisers were asked to consider elderly visitors and children; police said they would address concerns about roads, water supply and lighting.
Sources
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