Admin restricts flag height to avert mishaps during Sarhul and Ram Navami

Ranchi: As the city prepares to celebrate Sarhul and Ram Navami later this week, the district administration and the electricity department have issued safety guidelines, directing that flags carried during festival processions should not exceed four metres in height.

Manmohan Kumar, general manager of Jharkhand Bijli Vitaran Nigam Ltd. (JBVNL), Ranchi Supply Area Board, said the restriction has been imposed to prevent accidents involving overhead high-tension power lines.

“The height of flags used in processions should not exceed this limit to avoid any mishap,” Kumar said on Monday.

He added that no power cuts will be imposed during procession hours. “We have appealed to all akharas and organising committees of Ram Navami to strictly follow the guidelines as it concerns public safety. Distribution transformers along procession routes will be fenced and safety indicators installed. A team from the electricity department will also accompany each procession for supervision,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri chaired a review meeting with senior administrative and police officials to assess preparations for Eid, Sarhul and Ram Navami.

Officials were instructed to identify sensitive and crowded areas and ensure adequate deployment of police personnel with regular patrolling. Special security arrangements will be made along Ram Navami procession routes, Sarna sites and locations designated for Eid prayers, with officials asked to coordinate with organising committees and inspect arrangements in advance.

Bhajantri also directed authorities to strengthen surveillance through CCTV cameras and drone monitoring at major intersections and crowded locations, while the control room will remain fully operational for real-time coordination.

Officials have been asked to maintain strict vigilance on social media, with legal action to be taken against anyone spreading rumours or objectionable content that could disturb communal harmony.

Departments concerned have also been directed to ensure proper arrangements for sanitation, drinking water, electricity supply and traffic management, while police officials were instructed to remain alert in their respective jurisdictions throughout the festive period.