PATNA, Nov. 6 -- Ahead of the Diwali festivities on November 8, the Patna administration has issued a series of directives to ensure public safety, ordering a strict 10pm curfew on firecrackers, while mobilising law enforcement, fire services and medical facilities across the district, officials said on Thursday. An administrative officer said that Patna District Magistrate (DM) Kundan Kumar has instructed all concerned officers to complete necessary preparations well in time to ensure law and order and police officials have also been directed to strictly enforce guidelines, he said. The DM stressed that public safety and convenience remain the administration's top priorities during the festival and directed all departments to work in close coordination, maintaining high vigilance and prompt action. "All Puja committees will have to obtain the formal authorisation and licenses from the local administration," he said. Kumar stipulated that idols must only be installed after obtaining formal authorisation and licenses from the local administration. "Fire services have been instructed to remain on high alert to handle any emergency. All sub-divisional officers (SDOs) have been asked to verify the operational readiness and availability of fire tenders within their respective jurisdictions," said Kumar. The DM has also instructed hospitals to ensure the physical presence of doctors, adequate stock of essential medicines, and smooth overall emergency management. Hospitals equipped with dedicated burn wards have been placed on high alert, while those without such specialised units have been advised to set up interim precautionary arrangements. The Civil Surgeon and District Programme Manager (DPM-Health) were specifically directed to ensure round-the-clock doctor availability. Patna SSP Shri Kartikeya K Sharma has issued key directives regarding idol immersion, mandating that immersion processions strictly adhere to pre-approved routes. To ensure law and order, the immersion process must be recorded on video. SHOs have been directed to increase patrolling in their areas....