Gaya: The fire department has carried out safety inspections at key accommodation centres and high-footfall locations in Gaya ahead of the fortnight-long Pitripaksh mela starting Friday.A team led by district fire officer Jyoti Prakash inspected Gandhi Maidan tent city, Gaya railway station and other vulnerable points in the mela area on Tuesday.The team reviewed access routes for fire tenders, temporary structures, electrical connections and the availability of fire-fighting equipment. Officials at the sites were instructed to ensure strict compliance with fire-safety norms and maintain emergency arrangements.The inspection also covered Vishnupad temple, ghats, Sita Kund, Gaya College sports complex, Pretshila, Akshayvat and BSRTC bus stand near Gewal Bigha.Special focus was placed on locations expected to see heavy crowds, including Vishnupad temple, ghats, Akshayvat and Pretshila. Authorities were directed to keep emergency routes clear and ensure arrangements for quick evacuation and rescue.Jyoti Prakash said seven large and eight small fire tenders will be stationed at strategic locations in Gaya and Bodh Gaya during the mela. “In Gaya, fire tenders will be deployed at Vishnupad temple, Sita Kund, Pretshila, Gandhi Maidan tent city and the railway station, while in Bodh Gaya, they will be positioned at Kalachakra Ground, Nyingma Monastery and other vulnerable locations.”He said two temporary control rooms—one each in Gaya town and Bodh Gaya—will operate round the clock in addition to the centralised district-level control room to monitor conditions and coordinate emergency response.The department has requisitioned around 250 additional fire personnel from other districts, supplementing the existing strength of around 220 personnel in Gaya. All personnel will be deployed on mela duty. Prakash said fire-safety arrangements will be monitored continuously in coordination with other departments to minimise risks and ensure a prompt response to emergencies.
