Yogi Adityanath orders safety checks at Durga Puja pandals

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered officials to conduct urgent safety and security inspections at Durga Puja pandals. This directive follows a fatal stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata, which resulted in 19 deaths and 25 hospitalizations. Officials have been instructed to verify fire safety, electrical installations, and the adequacy of entry and exit points.

In response to the Kolkata incident, the West Bengal government has formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate what has been termed a “case of mismanagement”. Seven individuals have been arrested by Kolkata Police, and the state has announced financial assistance for victims and their families. Additionally, the state has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Separately, the Uttar Pradesh government has amended its 2026 holiday list, declaring Monday, October 19, a public holiday for Mahanavami. This amendment, following requests from employee bodies, creates a three-day break for government offices alongside the existing Sunday and Tuesday holidays.