No lessons learned from 17 deaths: Fireworks performed at Puri’s Narendra Puskarini

Despite the tragic firecracker explosion at Narendra Pond in Puri last year that claimed 17 lives, the administration seems to have learned no lesson. Once again, an open display of fireworks was witnessed at the same location during the recent festival.

According to sources,  during the Holi celebrations on March 15, firecrackers were seen bursting while Dolagobinda rituals of Goddess Lakshmi, and Saraswati were being performed at Narendra Puskarini.

However, no clear information is available regarding who ignited the fireworks or whether prior permission was granted. The district administration and police remain unaware of any official approval, sources added.

“It seems the district administration has not learned any lessons from the firecracker tragedy that claimed 17 lives last year. During Holi rituals, firecrackers were burst at Narendra Puskarini. Who gave permission for the fireworks,” asked Susant Kumar Sahoo, the complainant. 

Authorities Order Investigation

Meanwhile, both the District Collector and Superintendent of Police have assured that an investigation has been ordered.

“There is no provision of fireworks during Holi festivity. But acting on the allegations we have ordered an investigation and a senior police officer investigated the matter based on the available video footage,” said Siddharth Shankar Swain, Collector.

Also Read: ‘Illegal firecracker’ explosion leaves 2 dead, 2 injured in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur

Commenting on the development Puri SP Vinit Agrawal said, “We will launch an investigation into the allegation. Besides, special measures will be taken during Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath.”

17 Lives Lost

It may be recalled that on May 29 last year, a similar firecracker explosion led to a massive tragedy, resulting in 17 deaths. The recurrence of such incidents raises serious concerns over safety regulations and administrative vigilance.