Patna: The fire department has intensified safety checks at Durga Puja pandals across Patna, with 1,173 installations inspected so far and notices issued to 46 committees for deficiencies in fire-safety arrangements.The action follows detailed safety instructions issued ahead of the festival. District fire officer Abhishek Kumar had earlier directed Puja committees to follow the standard operating procedures of the fire services headquarters, with particular emphasis on fire and electrical safety. Pandals covering more than 300 square metres were required to obtain fire safety clearance, along with a certificate from the electricity department. Deployment of volunteers at pandals was also made mandatory.Under the prescribed norms, pandals have to be at least three metres high and have at least two entry and two exit gates to facilitate evacuation. Organisers have been asked to keep two drums of water and mugs ready for use during a fire emergency, maintain adequate clearance from overhead electrical lines and ensure that electrical wiring is properly secured to prevent short circuits.The department has also prohibited fire-prone stalls and shops inside or immediately around pandals. Synthetic decorative material, open flames, candles, diyas, halogen lights, fireworks and smoking have been prohibited inside pandal premises. Havan and other activities involving fire have been advised to be held outside the main pandal area.Officials have now inspected 1,173 pandals, with the 46 committees receiving notices being asked to rectify the identified shortcomings. The department has warned that continued non-compliance could invite further action, including sealing of pandals.For emergency preparedness, 80 pandals considered vulnerable because of expected crowds or other risk factors have been identified for special monitoring. Fifty-four fire tenders have been placed on standby, while nearly 30 control rooms have been established and more than 200 additional firefighters deployed.The department is also seeking greater participation from puja committees in emergency response. Three members from each pandal will be trained in basic fire prevention and firefighting techniques and provided jackets. They will assist in controlling an initial fire and evacuating devotees until fire personnel reach the spot.Fire officials have collected details of around 1,500 puja pandals in Patna and are continuing to communicate safety instructions to organisers.Fire department DIG Manoj Kumar Nat said the large number of devotees expected during Durga Puja made fire prevention and rapid emergency response particularly important. He said inspections, deployment of fire tenders and additional personnel, and training of volunteers were aimed at preventing incidents and ensuring prompt response wherever required.He said Patna had been divided into four zones, with six mobile rescue teams formed to evacuate people trapped during emergencies. Temporary control rooms have also been set up, while around 1,300 pandal committees have received fire-safety training.Action is being taken against committees violating the norms, with reports being sent to the SDO and district administration, the DIG added.
