Patna: The fire department has recommended action against 46 Durga Puja pandals in Patna after inspections found inadequate fire safety arrangements ahead of the festival. The department has written to the concerned sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) seeking action and said the identified pandals will remain under close watch during the celebrations.Fire officials inspected 1,310 puja pandals across the city as part of preparations to prevent fire incidents during Durga Puja. Notices were issued to 80 pandals found vulnerable during the inspections, while 46 were specifically found lacking the required fire safety measures.To strengthen emergency response, fire brigade vehicles and personnel have been stationed at 61 locations across Patna to reduce response time. The department has also set up at least 30 temporary fire control rooms at different locations.The main fire control room has been operating round the clock since Oct 17, with officers and firefighters deployed in shifts to ensure immediate mobilisation of teams when incidents are reported from pandals or crowded areas.The inspections and deployments come amid large gatherings at puja venues across the city.Police and other emergency agencies have also been deployed at crowded locations, while CCTV cameras and drones are being used to monitor puja venues and high-footfall areas.Around 2,000 police personnel and officers have been deployed across Patna for law and order and security during the festivities.
