Bengal Fire Brigade issues notices to three Kolkata Durga Puja committees regarding safety lapses
People at Chetla Agrani Durga Puja pandal themed ‘Viswaroope Viswaroopini’ on ‘Maha Saptami’ during Navaratri in Kolkata on October 17, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI
The West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Department has issued notices to three prominent Durga Puja committees in south Kolkata for alleged lapses in fire safety measures following the Chorbagan pandal stampede that claimed 19 lives, officials said on Monday (Oct 19, 2026).
The notices were issued to Chetla Agrani, Ballygunge Cultural Association and Tridhara Sammilani after a high-level fire team inspected the main pandals and found lapses in security measures, they said.
Fire authorities on Sunday (October 18, 2026) ordered the immediate removal of unauthorized temporary commercial structures and dangerous stalls set up near pandals, citing serious fire safety concerns, particularly the presence of LPG cylinders near structures made of highly flammable materials.
During the inspections, the officials also emphasized the need for adequate lighting and ventilation inside the pandals to prevent dark spots, ensure visibility and facilitate crowd management.
Authorities have also called for the installation of adequate fans and air-conditioning units inside pandals to improve ventilation and prevent overcrowding and suffocating conditions.
Debashis Kumar, a senior functionary of Tridhara Sammilani, told PTI on Monday (Oct 19, 2026), “We have received NOC from the ministry before proceeding with the inauguration.”
“No highly flammable material was used and there was proper lighting from the entrance and along the path. We told the team that all fire safety precautions regarding crowd control were being used and sent them a compliance report,” he said.
He added that the movement and management of thousands of visitors is coordinated with the Kolkata Police, civil defense authorities and the civic body.
The Ballygunge Cultural Association has been asked to improve the lighting inside its pandal and ensure that commercial activities do not obstruct entry and exit routes, the official said.
A senior official of the puja committee said, “We are implementing all standard procedures with regard to security measures and facilitating smooth passage of thousands of visitors. We have improved lighting and ensured that the entry of revelers is not blocked or obstructed on the way to the pandal starting from Rasbehari Avenue and Triangular Park side.”
No Chetl Agrani official could be reached for comment.
The inspections followed a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday (October 17, 2026) that killed 19 people and injured several others, prompting the state government to tighten crowd control and security measures at major puja sites.
Published – 20 October 2026 13:15 IST