Leaving nothing to chance, the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department has devised a comprehensive fire safety plan for Sri Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsavam, which attracts large congregation of devotees from far and near, slated to be held in Bhadrachalam on April 15.
The Sunday's devastating fire mishap in Puttingal Devi temple at Kollam in Kerala, which left around 110 devotees dead, has prompted the Fire Services Department personnel of the temple town to initiate additional fire safety precautions for the ensuing celestial wedding of Lord Rama and Sita Devi.
Though there will be no bursting of firecrackers during the ensuing mega religious fete, the officials concerned have laid renewed focus on fire prevention measures to ensure smooth conduct of the Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsavam on Friday.
The Fire Services Department has drafted a foolproof fire safety plan envisaging deployment of nine fire tenders including one water mist fire fighting vehicle besides one fire hydrant system, fire extinguishers and adequate personnel during the Srirama Navami fete.
According to sources, the Fire Department personnel led by the fire officer Suresh Kumar and leading fireman Y. Venkateshwarlu conducted a mock fire drill at Midhila Stadium, the venue of the ensuing celestial wedding, in Bhadrachalam on Tuesday.
Specific emergency evacuation plans containing alternative escape routes and manways are yet to be finalised to meet any exigency and tackle fire mishaps in the event of electrical short-circuits, if any, in the Midhila Stadium with 25,000 capacity, sources added.
Comprehensive fire risk assessment of the stadium, which hosts mega religious events such as the Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsavam and Srirama Maha Pattabhishekam (coronation ceremony) involving thousands of devotees every year, is imperative to ensure fool-proof safety of devotees, experts feel.
