Bengal Fire Services Department issues notices to three Kolkata Durga Puja committees over safety lapses

People at the Chetla Agrani Durga Puja pandal, themed 'Viswaroope Viswaroopini', on 'Maha Saptami' during Navaratri, in Kolkata, on October 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

The West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Department has issued notices to three prominent Durga Puja committees in south Kolkata over alleged deficiencies in fire safety arrangements, following the Chorbagan pandal stampede that claimed 19 lives, officials said on Monday (October 19, 2026).

The notices were issued to Chetla Agrani, Ballygunge Cultural Association and Tridhara Sammilani after a high-level fire services team inspected major pandals and found shortcomings in safety arrangements, they said.

The fire services authorities on Sunday (October 18, 2026) directed the immediate removal of unauthorised temporary commercial structures and hazardous stalls set up near the pandals, citing serious fire safety concerns, particularly the presence of LPG cylinders near structures made of highly inflammable materials.