Kerala fire triggers safety debate in temples

Ranchi: The massive fire that broke out in Kerala's Puttingal temple during a fireworks display on Sunday has triggered a debate on fire safety at temples in the state.

Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Dumka's Basukinath temple, Ramgarh's Rajrappa temple and Ranchi's Jagannath Mandir are among a hundred big and small temples that do not have a dedicated firefighting mechanism in place. Temple authorities depend on firefighters from the fire department's district units, which are often criticized for their delayed response to emergencies. This apart, the department is reeling under a staff shortage and inadequate infrastructure.

The chief of Akhil Bhartiya Teerth Purohit Mahasabha Vinod datt Dwari revealed that last year, two minor fire incidents were reported in the vicinity of Baidyanath Dham temple, but were contained. "The temple does not have a firefighting mechanism, making it difficult for temple authorities to contain a fire. Since the shrine is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year, special arrangements should be made," Dwari said.

Deoghar SDO Sudhir Kumar Gupta said serious thought will be given to fire safety in the temple, where only a few fire extinguishers are available. Ranchi-based Congress leader Alok Kumar Dubey said temple authorities across the state "earn lakhs of rupees" but are not taking adequate steps to ensure fire safety.

Ranchi DC Manoj Kumar said fire-safety awareness drives will be conducted at Ranchi temples.

State fire officer R K Thakur said the fire department does not inspect temples for fire safety standards as it does not have a legal mandate. "Unless we are requested by the management or district authorities, we cannot inspect a temple.

Bindeswari Jha, district public relations officer-cum-temple magistrate of the Baba Baidyanath temple management board said, "We will try to put in place a fire safety mechanism."

Meanwhile, the Palamu district administration is taking precaution to ensure no untoward incidents occur along the Ramnavami procession routes this time. Also,

Ramgarh police said a similar incident like the one in Kerala was averted on March 25, when a large quantity of firecrackers stored in a populated residential area of the district were unearthed and the owner of cracker store taken to custody.