Kolkata Fire Officials Inspect Kali Puja Pandals, Flag Safety Violations

Kolkata: A high-powered team consisting of the minister of state for fire services, Koushik Choudhury, DG (fire) Anuj Sharma and joint CP (headquarters) Sudeep Sarkar along with multiple fire and police personnel visited at least six major Kali Puja pandals across the city to take stock of the safety protocols being followed at these venues.This was a historic first for Kali Puja, coming just weeks after the Chorbagan stampede that killed 19 persons and injured 25 others. The pandals covered included biggies like Amherst Street, Janbazar and Sarsuna. The team also studied the entry and exit plans at important Kali temples like Kalighat and Karunamoyee.The team pointed to some gross violations at Janbazar Puja, now in its 56th year. It has been reported that the pandal was built without complying with height regulations. Questions have also been raised over cultural events being held on a stage constructed on the road by partially blocking it. The fire department has objected to these issues and said that a notice will be issued to the committee.“We have found the pandal’s height on the S N Banerjee Road side too high, exceeding standard safety regulations. We also found discrepancies in the stage located near the pandal on a road, which could disrupt traffic flow,” Choudhury said. DG Sharma said the dept asked the organisers to take necessary corrective steps.The Janbazar puja organisers said that they have not yet received any notice. They added that they would review the matter once they get it. Puja committee official Sandipan Saha, Entally MLA from the TMC’s Ritabrata Banerjee camp (Democratic Trinamool Congress), said the puja in Janbazar had been held in the same manner for years, and no irregularities had been found in the past. “The stage for cultural programmes has traditionally been set up on the side of the road without disrupting traffic flow. The entire programme will last for two hours. Anyway, we will abide by govt directives,” he said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in KolkataStay updated with the latest Kolkata news. Download the TOI App.