Kolkata Tragedy: CM Yogi Orders Strict Safety Audits for UP Durga Puja Pandals
UP CM Yogi Adityanath directs officials to inspect Durga Puja pandals after a fatal stampede in Kolkata claimed 19 lives.
Following a devastating incident in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued urgent directives to ensure the safety of devotees during the festive season. The Chief Minister has ordered comprehensive Durga Puja pandal safety checks across the state to prevent any repetition of the tragedy witnessed in Kolkata.
Strict Directives for UP Officials
The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) announced on Sunday that a high-level alert has been sent to all Police Commissioners, District Magistrates, and Superintendents of Police. The administration has been tasked with a rigorous inspection of all public pandals to eliminate risks associated with overcrowding and technical failures.
According to the CMO, the specific areas of focus for these inspections include:
- Fire Safety: A thorough review of fire extinguishing equipment and safety protocols.
- Crowd Management: Detailed examination of entry and exit points to ensure a smooth flow of devotees.
- Emergency Access: Ensuring that adequate and unobstructed emergency exits are available.
- Electrical Audits: Verification of all electrical installations to prevent short circuits or fire hazards.
The Chief Minister has explicitly instructed all concerned officials to remain present in the field to monitor the situation and ensure that these guidelines are implemented without compromise.
The Kolkata Tragedy: A Wake-Up Call
The sudden push for heightened security in Uttar Pradesh comes in the wake of a horrific stampede at the famous Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata. An overwhelming surge of devotees led to a fatal crush that claimed 19 lives and left 25 others injured and hospitalized.
The scale of the tragedy has sparked a massive response in West Bengal:
Legal Action and Investigation
Kolkata Police have already arrested seven individuals in connection with the stampede. To uncover the root cause of the disaster, the West Bengal government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT). State Cabinet Minister Umesh Rai described the incident as a clear "case of mismanagement."
Compensation and Restrictions
The state government has announced significant financial aid for the victims:
- For the deceased: An ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh and a government job for the next of kin.
- For the injured: Financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each.
To maintain law and order and prevent further unrest, the Kolkata Police have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, across sensitive areas of the city from October 18 to October 20.