Kolkata deploys emergency medical teams after fatal Durga Puja stampede

Following a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata that left 19 people dead and 25 injured, the West Bengal government has implemented emergency safety measures. The health department has deployed medical teams, including doctors and specialists such as neurosurgeons and anaesthetists, to five major pandals in the metropolis to provide immediate care during the festival.

To support these efforts, the leaves of doctors, health workers, and administrative officials have been cancelled, with IAS officers ordered to rejoin duty immediately. Major city hospitals have been directed to maintain fully functional emergency departments.

In response to the tragedy, the West Bengal government announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh, while Prime Minister Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has met with the families of victims and reviewed crowd management protocols, including traffic regulation and CCTV surveillance, to ensure safety at remaining festive gatherings.