Patna: The Bihar Fire Services Department is stepping up safety preparations for Durga Puja, with inspections of pandals scheduled to begin on Friday, October 9, across the state. Organisers have been warned that failure to follow fire safety requirements could invite action, including licence cancellation in serious cases.
According to Fire Services DIG Manoj Kumar Nat, around 20,000 Durga Puja pandals are being set up across Bihar this year, including more than 1,500 large pandals. The department has issued advisories to districts to strengthen fire prevention and emergency response arrangements.
Patna Records More Than 1,500 Pandal Registrations
Around 1,500 pandals have been registered in Patna, including approximately 100 large-scale installations.
With large crowds expected at popular पूजा sites, fire officials are preparing to check safety arrangements and ensure that organisers follow the prescribed standards during construction and crowd management.
The inspections are intended to identify potential risks before the festivities begin and ensure that emergency services can respond promptly if required.
Licence Cancellation Possible for Serious Violations
The department has made it clear that organisers who fail to comply with fire safety requirements may face action. In cases involving serious negligence, authorities may also cancel the relevant licence.
Organisers are expected to pay particular attention to fire prevention measures, safe construction practices and arrangements for managing large gatherings.
Patna Divided Into Four Zones for Fire Response
To improve emergency response during the festival, Patna’s safety arrangements have been divided into four major zones.
Fire tenders will remain on standby at strategic and sensitive locations in each zone. The arrangement is designed to help emergency teams reach affected pandals quickly in the event of a fire or other incident.
Special Rescue Team Formed for Emergencies
A special rescue team has also been formed for this year’s festivities.
Its primary responsibility will be to evacuate people trapped inside pandals during a fire or another emergency and assist in rescue operations. The team is expected to play an important role at crowded पूजा venues where a rapid evacuation may be necessary.
Control Rooms to Monitor Safety for Nine Days
The department has activated the Integrated Command and Control Room to coordinate arrangements across districts. Temporary control rooms are also being established at several important locations.
Preparations are being reviewed through video conferences with departmental officials to improve coordination and monitor readiness.
Round-the-Clock Monitoring During Durga Puja
According to DIG Manoj Kumar Nat, control rooms will monitor district-level activities and pandal safety arrangements around the clock throughout the nine-day Durga Puja period.
The department’s stated objective is to reduce the risk of fire incidents, strengthen coordination among emergency teams and ensure prompt action if an incident occurs.
With inspections beginning ahead of the festival, organisers have been urged to follow fire safety rules and cooperate with officials to help ensure a safe celebration for devotees.
