Kolkata: The West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Department has issued formal notices to three prominent Durga Puja committees in south Kolkata due to alleged shortcomings in their fire safety arrangements.
The administrative action follows a fatal stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, which resulted in 19 deaths and numerous injuries. The tragedy has prompted the state government to enforce stricter scrutiny regarding crowd control and safety protocols across major celebration venues.
The notices were delivered to Chetla Agrani, Ballygunge Cultural Association, and Tridhara Sammilani after inspections by a high-level fire services team identified various safety deficiencies.
Following the Sunday inspections, authorities ordered the immediate clearance of unauthorized temporary commercial structures and hazardous stalls situated near the pandals. Officials highlighted severe fire risks posed by liquefied petroleum gas cylinders positioned close to highly flammable building materials. Inspectors also emphasized the necessity of adequate illumination and ventilation to eliminate dark spots, improve visibility, and facilitate safe crowd movement, alongside sufficient fans and air-conditioning units to prevent suffocating conditions.
Debashis Kumar, a senior representative for Tridhara Sammilani, stated that the committee had secured a no-objection certificate prior to opening the pandal. He noted that the committee used no highly inflammable materials, maintained proper lighting along pathways, and submitted a compliance report addressing all fire safety and crowd control guidelines.
Kumar further mentioned that visitor traffic and management are being coordinated alongside Kolkata Police, civil defence personnel, and the municipal corporation.
An official reported that the Ballygunge Cultural Association was directed to enhance interior illumination and ensure that commercial activities do not block entry and exit pathways. A representative for the committee responded that standard safety procedures and crowd flow measures are actively being implemented, including improved lighting and unhindered access routes from Rasbehari Avenue and Triangular Park.
Representatives from Chetla Agrani could not be reached for comment regarding the notice.