New Delhi: Police and the Forum for Durgotsab have issued fresh crowd management guidelines after a stampede at Kolkata’s Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal
killed 19 people and injured 25 on Saturday.
The forum, which represents around 400 organising committees, asked members to keep at least 10 raincoats and walkie-talkies at each pandal. It also sought regular announcements warning visitors against taking selfies or recording videos.
Ambulances and clear routes
The forum asked organisers to ensure at least one ambulance remains available in each zone for emergencies. Forum member Saswata Basu said the guidelines followed a meeting with prominent organisers on Sunday. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met senior police officers and bureaucrats on Sunday. He said authorities would restrict crowds if necessary.
“There will be no separate queues for VIPs. We will do whatever it takes,” he said. A committee of fire department and police officers will review security at prominent Kolkata pujas and recommend immediate changes wherever required.
Police tighten pandal checks
Officers-in-charge and assistant police commissioners have been directed to inspect pandals with heavy footfall. “They have been asked to ensure that all entrance and exit routes are kept free of any obstructions,” a police officer said.
“In case of rain, people should not be allowed to enter the pandal to take shelter; the interior of the pandal should be well-lit, no VIP vehicle should be allowed to go near the pandal, and police will monitor the announcements made by the organisers on the public address system.” Police said visitors who stop for selfies and videos slow movement and cause crowds to build up.
Rain worsened crowd pressure
Preliminary findings suggested crowds swelled at Chor Bagan on Saptami evening as rain began. People inside refused to leave, while others tried to enter through both entry and exit routes. A police officer said organisers warned that the pandal could collapse and urged people to leave.
“There was an announcement and the volunteers at the pandal started blowing whistles. This apparently triggered the stampede.” Allegations also surfaced that police left their posts to avoid the rain and people booked app cabs to transport victims. An official said personnel have now been instructed to remain at their posts even during rain and manage crowds.
