For a mishap-free puja

BHUBANESWAR: As the Durga Puja is round the corner, the authorities have geared up to ensure a hazard-free festival.The Fire Department of Bhubaneswar has  issued guidelines to the Puja committees on  how to construct the pandals so as to prevent fires. As per the procedure,  the committees have been provided the guidelines before the construction of pandals. Then the Fire Department officials will go for inspection. They will also advise the committees,  if any correction is needed, and ensure that the modification is implemented during subsequent visits.Faulty and unsafe electricity connections often lead to fire in pandals. Yagnas arranged during the Puja are also another reason for fire incidents, but that happens rarely. The emphasis is laid on proper and legal electricity connection and insulation.The committees are also advised to set up pandals at a safe distance from electric sub-stations and transformers to minimise the risk. There should be proper ventilation in the pandals.Fire Officer B B Das has asked the Puja committees to have sufficient number of exits in a pandal and make it spacious. So that in case of any fire, people can flee to safety or can be evacuated. He also asked the committees to insulate all electric connections to prevent short-circuiting. The Cesu will also do its part to ensure safe power connections. In case of any accidental fire, emergency number 101 can be dialled.