Greater Noida authority officials remove makeshift pandal erected on public ground for katha event

The action comes just days after Noida police issued an order to multi national corporate houses in the city that they would be held liable if their employees were found offering namaz at a Sector-58 public park.

Pandal (Representational Image)

Noida: The Greater Noida authority officials on Wednesday removed a makeshift pandal erected on a public ground in Sector-37 for a “katha” ceremony. The action comes just days after Noida police issued an order to multi national corporate houses in the city that they would be held liable if their employees were found offering namaz at a Sector-58 public park. The officials said that the pandal was removed as the organisers had not obtained permission for it. Police said that the organisers had not sought their permission and that they were not involved in the subsequent action by the Greater Noida Authority. A nine-day "Bhagwat Katha", a Hindu religious programme, was scheduled to begin from Wednesday on the land, he said On Wednesday, Greater Noida officials said they received a complaint from some residents of Sector-37 regarding the ceremony in Kasna area. The Authority officials removed the pandal while the function was going on. “We had received information that a few people had erected a pandal and organised a ceremony without permission. Due action was taken as per procedure and people were informed that if they wish to organise a ceremony then they can do it after seeking permission from Greater Noida Authority. The Authority can grant permission after the proposal is properly reviewed by police and city magistrate,” said Krishna Kumar Gupta, additional chief executive officer, Greater Noida Authority.