Safety norms ignored at pandals

Concerns have been raised over lack of fire safety measures at various Durga Puja pandals even as preparations are underway to erect spectacular decorative pandals across Rourkela city.

Concerns have been raised over lack of fire safety measures at various Durga Puja pandals even as preparations are underway to erect spectacular decorative pandals across Rourkela city.

Both Rourkela city administration and the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) authorities have been urged to ensure adequate fire safety norms during puja.

Social activist and NGO Udvav’s secretary VP Tiwari said while preparations are going on to set up majestic pandals at about 100 venues, the fire safety aspect is neglected. The puja celebration should see coordinated efforts of all sections of the society including the Central Puja Committee (CPC), pandal committees, RSP and administration, he added.

With less than a week left for the festival, it would be difficult for the puja committees to strictly adhere to fire safety guidelines. The puja committees should be instructed to ensure wide entry and exit routes and store fire extinguishers, water and sand to meet any exigency, Tiwari said. The local volunteers should be given basic training in fire fighting and evacuation, he added.

The issue was also brought to the notice of Rourkela ADM, fire officer, RSP’s DGM and GM for town administration.

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