Kolkata, Sept. 16 -- With Durga Puja preparations gathering pace, the administration has barred puja committees in Kanksa from organising laser shows, citing aviation and security concerns arising from the presence of the Panagarh Air Force Station in the area.
The direction was issued at a meeting with puja committees by the Kanksa block administration and officers of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate. Kanksa Police Station also confirmed that committees have been instructed not to use laser lights during the festivities.
Panagarh's Arjan Singh Air Force Station is an important military installation, with aircraft regularly operating
from the base and training and exercises being conducted in the area. Officials said laser beams projected into the sky could interfere with aircraft operations.
A police officer said that Kanksa police had been instructed to keep a close watch during
the Puja days to ensure that the directive was followed, particularly at popular puja venues. Police said laser beams could distract or disorient pilots, potentially creating a safety hazard.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.