Bhopal administration makes ID cards must to enter Garba pandals

BHOPAL: The Bhopal district administration on Tuesday made ID cards mandatory for entry to Garba pandals across the district.

Around three weeks ago, culture and tourism minister Usha Thakur had demanded that only those having I-cards be allowed into Garba pandals. "This is our advice and warning to everyone. Our cultural organisations and people are very much aware of this. Since Garbas had become a medium for love jihad, no one should be allowed to enter Garba venues by concealing their identity," Thakur, an Indore MLA, had said on September 8. tnn

'CCTV must at garba events'
Tuesday's order, issued by Bhopal additional district magistrate (ADM) Dileep Yadav, doesn't specify any religion or community. The decision was taken at the behest of district magistrate Avinash Lavania to "smoothen arrangements at these places", a press note issued by district administration said. Asked why such an order had to be issued, Yadav said: "It's a decision taken from law-and-order point of view. It's meant to make those places more secure. They usually check IDs otherwise also. It's just that we have issued an order this time."

Organising committees of Garbas, Dandiyas and other cultural programmes have been ordered not to allow anyone into the venue without verifying their identity card. CCTV coverage is mandatory at every event.Organisers have been asked to follow fire safety protocols & arrange for adequate fire extinguishers & first-aid kits. They have been told not to allow anyone carrying weapons, any "suspicious or objectionable things". Committees have to get approval certificate from MP Electricity Board.