Prayagraj Gears Up: Strict Security for Navratri & Durga Puja

Prayagraj's district administration has finalized an extensive security, fire-safety, and crowd-management strategy for the upcoming Durga Puja and Navratri celebrations. A key requirement is mandatory fire department clearance for all puja pandals.

Puja committees are directed to utilize fire-resistant materials and adhere to specific construction guidelines. These include maintaining at least 4.5 meters of open space around pandals and ensuring a minimum height of 3 meters to clear electrical cables. Exit gates must be a minimum of 5 meters wide.

Fire officials emphasized the need for licensed contractors for lighting, two opposite exits, emergency lighting, and a ban on firecracker shows near pandals. Each pandal must be equipped with two advanced fire extinguishers and sufficient water storage. Inspection teams will conduct regular checks across various city zones.

Police are preparing separate measures for crowd control, especially during peak evening hours. They advise committees to deploy additional volunteers for monitoring from 7 PM to 2 AM. Major pandals will have close police surveillance, with trained volunteers assisting in emergencies.

Drone cameras are planned for assessing crowd density and monitoring security at key pandals. Police stations will maintain constant communication with committee members regarding security. Installation of CCTV cameras is mandatory, and additional personnel will manage crowd flow. Approximately 100 to 150 pandals are anticipated city-wide.

District officials are conducting joint inspections, focusing on sensitive areas. The health department will ensure ambulance and medical team availability, while the municipal corporation will address stray animal concerns during the festival.