The Ahmedabad Police have issued guidelines for garba organisers while asking them to have an ambulance and medical aid available at the venue. The Navratri celebrations are set to begin October 15, and will conclude on October 23.
The preparedness for the festival and its guidelines, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Control) Komal Vyas said “After Covid, we have noticed that (some) garba revellers have lost their lives. The exhaustion levels are high… people dance for 3-4 hours and there is a huge crowd.”
“So for not having any respiratory problems and avoiding medical emergencies, one of the guidelines is to have a first-aid team, ambulance, and medical aid, so that if such a case arises, a life can be saved,” she added.
According to Vyas, so far they have received 47 applications for hosting commercial garba with passes. The garba organisers have time till October 14 to apply for permission. She said that the applicants will be given permission as per the prevailing legal provisions.
Mahila police in uniform as well as in civil dresses, and for ensuring the safety of the citizens, Ahmedabad City Police will also carry out vehicle checking and have officers managing the traffic.
The garba organisers will need to have separate parking for four-wheelers and two-wheelers, and it should be at least 100 metres away from garba venues. The organisers also need to have fire and electricity NOC from competent authorities. Not adhering to any of these norms could result in cancelling the garba’s organisers’ permission even after they have been approved by the police, according to the DCP.