KP's safety notice to central Kol puja

Time of India

3 days ago

Kolkata: The Santosh Mitra Square Puja Committee has received a stringent directive from Kolkata Police, days after announcing their Durga Puja theme for this year. The cop directive cited last year's near-stampede incident as the primary reason for the enhanced rules.
An officer said: "The violations last year almost led to a stampede. We want to ensure nothing of this sort happens this year. This is for the benefit of pandal-hoppers."
Sajal Ghosh, a key official of the puja committee and BJP leader, has raised concerns about what he perceives as discriminatory treatment by law enforcement. The police letter, which Ghosh mockingly termed a "love letter", outlines safety regulations for the festival.
"I want to know how many puja committees across Bengal received such a letter? Surely, none. So, are they above the law, or is there a separate law for us?" he asked.
The list includes widening entrance and exit paths, installing a minimum of 60 CCTV cameras, deploying 250 volunteers during peak hours, and prohibiting laser/light/sound shows. The committee must also establish a designated police surveillance area within the pandal and ensure there are no stalls near entrances and exits. Other requirements include public address systems, proper barricading, and maintaining clear signage from BOI More to the pandal.
Cops have also prohibited Ferris wheel or similar amusement rides on the premises.
The police have requested a mitigation plan from the committee by June 25 and mandated a meeting to discuss implementation strategies.