Bengal Fire Services Department issues notices to three Kolkata Durga Puja committees over safety lapses
The West Bengal Fire Services Department has issued safety notices to three major Durga Puja committees in Kolkata following a deadly stampede at a separate pandal. Officials are enforcing stricter crowd management and fire safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
Why it matters
This highlights the critical need for safety regulation and crowd control during large-scale religious and cultural festivals.
Bengal Fire Services Department issues notices to three Kolkata Durga Puja committees over safety lapses left People at the Chetla Agrani Durga Puja pandal, themed 'Viswaroope Viswaroopini', on 'Maha Saptami' during Navaratri, in Kolkata, on October 17, 2026. PTI PTI https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/1bs58y/article71603678.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI10_17_2026_000251B.jpg - Kolkata: People at the Chetla Agrani Durga Puja pandal, themed 'Viswaroope Viswaroopini', on 'Maha Saptami' during Navaratri, in Kolkata, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (PTI Photo)(PTI10_17_2026_000251B) During inspections, officials also stressed the need for adequate lighting and ventilation inside pandals to prevent dark spots, ensure visibility and facilitate crowd management Kolkata The West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Department has issued notices to three prominent Durga Puja committees in south Kolkata over alleged deficiencies in fire safety arrangements, following the Chorbagan pandal stampede that claimed 19 lives, officials said on Monday (October 19, 2026).
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