Uttar Pradesh: After fire at Bhadohi pandal, cops at Ramlila, puja venues

NOIDA/GHAZIABAD: The Noida and Ghaziabad police reviewed fire preparedness at over 100 Ramlila and Durga Puja venues in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Monday. The move comes after a fire in a Durga Puja pandal in UP’s Bhadohi district killed five people on Sunday,
“We conducted checks at several prominent Ramlila venues and Durga Puja pandals, including at sectors 21 and 46. We checked for vulnerable spots and gave directions to organisers wherever we found negligence,” Rajneesh Verma, Noida assistant commissioner of police, said.
Police said that they reviewed all emergency exits and the crowd management arrangements by organisers. They also directed organisers to ensure security and fire preparedness. Meanwhile, the fire department will issue notices to organisers regarding the lack of fire safety at some venues.
Verma said, “If establishments do not implement the directives in the fire department notice in three days, police will act against organisers for failing to comply with fire safety norms.”
According to fire officials, the most common problem across venues is loose wiring. “Also, the food stall owners should be careful while using gas cylinders as the tents can catch fire anytime. We will issue notices to establishments where arrangements were insufficient,” said Arun Kumar Singh, Noida chief fire officer.
On the other hand, officials took fitness certificates from Ramlila organisers, where swings are currently run. “We are making sure nothing happens at these places. Safety of people is important for us,” Verma said. Four people received injuries on Saturday after a swing at a Ramlila fair in Ghaziabad’s Ghanta Ghar malfunctioned.