Kolkata tightens puja pandal safety rules after deadly stampede

The stampede occurred at the Chor Bagan puja pandal, one of Kolkata's most visited festival sites, when a combination of heavy rainfall and surging crowds created dangerous conditions. The incident has prompted officials to implement stringent safety protocols for all registered pandals across the city.

New directives issued by the West Bengal government mandate that pandal organizers provide adequate raincoats and umbrellas for devotees to manage weather-related congestion. Organizers have also been instructed to regulate crowd flow through designated entry and exit points, with trained personnel stationed throughout venues to monitor visitor numbers and prevent bottlenecks.

In a notable measure targeting modern-day festival practices, authorities have discouraged selfie-taking and mobile phone usage within congested pandal areas. Officials cite the distraction caused by photography as a contributing factor to crowd management lapses, noting that visitors often slow movement while attempting photos.

Venue operators are now required to maintain clear pathways, install adequate signage, and coordinate with local police and disaster management teams. Regular capacity audits and mock drills have been made mandatory for all major pandals. The guidelines underscore the administration's commitment to balancing the festive spirit with public safety as West Bengal prepares for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.