Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6 (UDN): Ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, the Commissionerate Police and Fire Services have stepped up preparations to ensure safe and orderly festivities across Bhubaneswar, with strict safety measures finalized for 193 puja medhas and pandals.
Representational Image
The guidelines place particular emphasis on fire prevention, safe installation of temporary structures, regulated sale of fireworks and preparedness of puja committees to respond to emergencies.
Strict Checks on Firework Vendors
Authorities will conduct verification of identity documents and temporary licences of fireworks vendors operating during the festive period. Sellers will be required to comply with prescribed safety and location norms and can stock and sell only permitted green crackers.
The administration has also stressed that fireworks outlets must maintain the required distance from sensitive locations, including residential areas and educational institutions, as stipulated under applicable safety regulations.
Fire Safety Clearance for Pandals
Puja committees have been directed to comply with mandatory fire-safety requirements, particularly for larger temporary structures.
Pandals are required to use fire-resistant materials and maintain adequate open access routes so that fire tenders and other emergency vehicles can reach the premises without obstruction. Organisers must also ensure that temporary structures and decorative installations maintain safe clearance from electrical power lines.
Firefighting Equipment Mandatory
Every puja venue must have basic firefighting arrangements readily available throughout the celebrations. These include functional fire extinguishers, sand-filled buckets and adequate water storage facilities.
Organisers have been advised to ensure that firefighting equipment remains easily accessible and is not blocked by decorations, stalls or crowd-control barricades.
Volunteers to Support Emergency Response
Puja committees will also be required to deploy trained volunteers to assist with crowd management, emergency communication and evacuation procedures.
Volunteers are expected to remain familiar with designated exit routes and help guide visitors to safety in the event of a fire or other emergency until professional responders arrive.
Focus on Safe and Orderly Celebrations
The Commissionerate Police and Fire Services have urged puja committees, vendors and visitors to strictly follow the prescribed safety norms and cooperate with enforcement personnel.
The measures are aimed at preventing fire-related incidents, ensuring smooth movement of emergency vehicles and protecting devotees and visitors during the festive rush.
Authorities have indicated that violations of the prescribed safety requirements may invite action under the applicable rules. Organisers have been advised to complete all required safety arrangements well before the celebrations begin.
