Dhanbad: West Bengal’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal stampede has found a sombre expression on canvas at the Park Market-based Bengali Welfare Society’s puja pandal in Dhanbad.Paying tributes to the victims and standing in solidarity with their families, local artist Ramesh Thakur has painted Maa Durga, who is manifestation of strength, protection, and the triumph of good over evil, with a solemn, sorrowful expression, beside a map of West Bengal. Set against the festive backdrop, the artwork reminds devotees of the families mourning after the tragedy.“Durga Puja is a festival of faith and tradition and should be celebrated. But people must also remain sensitive to the suffering caused by such incidents. Festivals should bring people together, with compassion shown towards grieving families,” he stated.Meanwhile, the tragedy has prompted the district administration and puja committees to review safety measures. Bengali Welfare Society president Gopal Bhattacharya said, “We have widened the entrance gate of our pandal by demolishing a portion of the boundary wall as a precautionary safety measure for better crowd management and safe evacuation during emergencies. The wider entrance will also allow heavy vehicles, including fire fighting vehicles, to easily reach the pandal in case of a fire.”SSP Prabhat Kumar said, “Officials have been directed to remain vigilant at all pandals to ensure the safety of devotees and maintain law and order. Security arrangements must be strictly followed,“ while issuing a warning that any negligence or laxity on the part of officials would be seriously dealt with.
