Inspection of ‘Holika Dahan’ sites mandatory: Bhojpur DM

Ara: Bhojpur district administration has geared up to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Holi celebration, especially during Holika Dahan, by strengthening law-and-order measures and directing officials concerned to allow bonfires only at undisputed locations.“District magistrate (DM) Tanai Sultania has instructed officials to carry out mandatory physical verification of all Holika Dahan sites. All station house officers (SHOs) have been asked to remain present at the designated sites well in time. No Holika Dahan should be allowed at disputed locations, and bonfires must not be organised under or near overhead power lines,” a senior official said.Officers have also been asked to maintain close coordination with the power department to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and quick response in case of emergencies. Earlier, a joint briefing of magistrates and police officers was held at the Ara collectorate on Saturday evening under the chairmanship of ADM Shashi Shekhar.A high-level meeting, focused on crowd management, prohibition enforcement, fire safety, emergency medical response and monitoring of sensitive locations during the Holi festivities, was also held on Sunday.Addressing the officers, the ADM directed them to conduct intensive patrolling and surveillance across the district, particularly in vulnerable pockets.“Any attempt to disturb public peace or incite violence will invite immediate and stringent legal action, and no laxity on the part of field officers will be tolerated,” said a press note issued by the Bhojpur DM’s office.