Noida, Oct 21 (IANS) Noida will witness the immersion of 122 Durga idols at 20 designated artificial ponds on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of Durga Puja celebrations.

The police and district administration have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the processions and immersion ceremonies are conducted peacefully, with around 2,500 police personnel to be deployed across the city.

The artificial ponds have been set up at 20 major locations to facilitate the immersion of Durga Maa idols in an organised manner and prevent pollution of natural water bodies.

Devotees and organisers have been urged to immerse the idols only at the designated sites.

With a large number of devotees expected to arrive at the immersion venues, the administration has made arrangements to manage crowds and ensure the smooth movement of processions.

Police personnel will be deployed at major immersion sites and sensitive locations to maintain law and order, regulate the movement of devotees and prevent any untoward incident.

Traffic management will also remain a priority during the immersion processions. The movement of vehicles is likely to increase on roads leading to the designated sites, and traffic diversions may be introduced wherever necessary to prevent congestion.

Commuters have been advised to avoid parking vehicles unnecessarily along procession routes to ensure the smooth movement of devotees and emergency services.

The administration is also focusing on maintaining orderly arrangements around the artificial ponds, where crowds are expected to gather throughout the day.

Police personnel will monitor the movement of processions and help regulate the entry and exit of devotees at busy locations.

With the immersion of the idols, the Durga Puja festivities will come to an end. The administration has appealed to devotees to maintain peace and discipline, follow the prescribed routes and comply with police instructions.

The arrangements aim to ensure that the religious ceremonies conclude peacefully while minimising inconvenience to commuters and other residents.

Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival that honours Goddess Durga and celebrates her victory over the demon Mahishasura.

Recognised on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, it is celebrated with grand artistic pandals, traditional rituals, and community gatherings, primarily in West Bengal and eastern India.

–IANS

sud/