Ranchi: Police have stepped up security and crowd control measures at Durga Puja pandals and busy stretches across the city following the stampede at the Chorbagan pandal in north Kolkata that killed at least 19 and injured 25 on Saturday night.Officials said Ashtami and Navami are the most challenging days for police as lakhs of devotees from Ranchi and nearby areas visit major pandals, leading to congestion on approach roads and pressure at entry and exit points.The heightened alert follows a safety audit of pandals by SSP Rakesh Ranjan on Wednesday. During the inspection, police found several puja committees lacking in compliance with safety norms. At the Zila School pandal, which draws large crowds every year, the approach road was found to be narrow. The SSP asked organisers to ensure that roads leading to pandals remain wide enough for fire tenders and emergency vehicles to reach the venue if required.SP (city) Paras Rana said police officers have been directed to conduct another round of safety audits. Notices will be issued to puja committees found violating safety guidelines.“Police are on high alert. Barricades have been installed at 144 locations across the city to regulate traffic and crowd movement. We are using whistles and public address systems to guide devotees at crowded places. Drones are also being used for crowd surveillance,” Rana said.Puja committees have also deployed volunteers at pandals to assist devotees. Police said volunteers at some venues were helping with crowd management, but at several places they were allegedly trying to divert visitors towards their own pandals, adding to crowd pressure.Officials said volunteers could become a “double-edged sword” if not properly coordinated with police. They added that close coordination with puja committees would be crucial during peak evening hours on Ashtami and Navami.
