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Kolkata Pujas Prioritize Safety After Deadly Stampede
19 Oct
Summary
- Organizers added emergency exits and volunteers post-stampede.
- Pandals now regulate visitor numbers, reduce entry capacity.
- Cultural programs canceled; VIP privileges revoked by many.
In the wake of a tragic stampede that claimed 19 lives, Durga Puja organizers across Kolkata have intensified safety arrangements. This includes improving pandal illumination, deploying more volunteers, and expanding visitor spaces. Several committees have opted for staggered entry systems to manage crowd flow effectively.
Pandals are now limiting the number of visitors allowed inside simultaneously, with some reducing capacity to as few as 100 people. Enhanced medical facilities, including oxygen cylinders and nurses, are being stationed at venues.
Many organizers have canceled cultural programs and done away with VIP entry to streamline crowd management. The Forum for Durgotsav has decided to station an ambulance in each zone and emphasized using local knowledge for maintaining order.
Despite the tragedy, large crowds continued to visit popular pandals, though some attendees reconsidered their plans due to parental advisories. The focus remains on preventing future incidents by reviewing and reinforcing existing safety protocols.
