Kolkata: Even as the Chorbagan stampede continues to shape how cops prepare for future festivals, police stations across Kolkata have begun contacting KMC borough executive engineers to check and certify the stability of Kali Puja pandals.Such a step has been unprecedented in the city, claimed cops, adding that instructions and SOPs are being directly passed on by police DGs, additional CPs on behalf of police and DG (civil) and DG (lighting) on behalf of KMC.KMC sources said there was a standard protocol in checking the stability and PWD certified the dais used in programmes with VIP attendees. But KMC has rarely been involved in this kind of check.An engineer said this was the first year KMC teams are accompanying deputy commissioners of police during the pandal inspections and reviewing the arrangements. “While PWD has the expertise to check the stability of a temporary structure, we are doing our bit during these inspections. Our engineers are giving advice if any pandal needs more strengthening,” said an engineer.“The civic body’s civil department has issued strict instructions to puja committees to ensure there are no shortcomings, from tying bamboo structures to completing the pandals’ lighting. As cops, we are evaluating the emergency exit plans and whether medical facilities are available,” said an officer at Lalbazar. DG Fire and other senior officers will inspect important pandals on Wednesday.Sources at Lalbazar said that following the police commissioner’s directive regarding pandal construction and its safety concerns, different departments have been asked to coordinate closely with KMC, the fire brigade, the public works department, and CESC.In addition, Lalbazar has issued a mandatory 12-point Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to the Kali Puja committee to ensure safety during the upcoming festival.The directives mandate separate, well-lit entry and exit points, requiring exits to be wider than entries to prevent crowd bottlenecks. Organisers routing visitors underneath idol platforms must submit a structural stability certificate from certified experts.Fire safety remains a major focus. Committees must secure Fire Brigade NOCs, maintain unobstructed access routes for fire engines, and stock adequate fire extinguishers, fire-retardant liquids, and foam. Full compliance with CESC power guidelines is compulsory, with a strict ban on illegal electrical connections.For emergency readiness, organisers are instructed to set up dedicated medical camps with ambulance standby facilities. Additionally, the guidelines advise against inflammable goods and motorised merry-go-rounds in adjacent fairgrounds to protect visitors. CCTV surveillance must also be installed across pandals, particularly around decorated idols.
About The Author
