Bhubaneswar: Dazzling illuminations are integral to the festive grandeur of Durga Puja pandals. To ensure the safety of the electrical wiring and panels powering these elaborate decorations, the Odisha fire and emergency services (OFES) has advised puja organisers to have all electrical installations inspected by licensed electrical contractors.IGP Uma Shankar Dash said such inspections by licenced electrical contractors can help prevent short circuits, fire mishaps and other electrical hazards during the festival. “We launched this sensitisation and awareness programme under the banner of Shakti Surakshya for the safety of devotees,” IGP Dash said.According to officials, around 1,500 puja pandals have been erected across the state. Chief fire officer Ramesh Chandra Majhi said nearly 5,000 fire personnel have been deployed at these mandaps and urged organisers to take adequate fire safety measures besides keeping diya stands outside the pandals to minimise risks.“We have also advised organisers against using combustible materials in the construction and decoration of pandals. Adequate emergency exits should be provided to facilitate the safe evacuation of devotees in the event of an emergency,” Majhi said.All 346 fire stations in the state have been directed to conduct safety audits of the pandals and recommend corrective measures wherever deficiencies are detected. OFES sought the cooperation of puja committees and organisers in ensuring the safety of devotees during the festivities. Volunteers of puja committees are being trained to respond promptly to fire emergencies and take immediate safety measures before the intervention of firemen.To ensure accident-free immersion ceremonies on Oct 22, OFES has also urged participants to refrain from entering rivers, ponds and other water bodies under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.“We appeal to all devotees and immersion participants to follow safety guidelines and cooperate with the authorities. Simple precautions can go a long way in preventing fire and drowning incidents during the celebrations,” Majhi said.
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