Ujjain Ganesh Pandal Fire Damages 11-Foot Idol; No Casualties Reported

A fire unexpectedly erupted at the Ganesh pandal of Shri Samrat Navyuvak Mitra Mandal situated in Sant Ram Sindhi Colony under Neelganga police station area in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday evening. The inferno engulfed a significant portion of the structure, causing extensive damage to an 11-foot Ganesh idol. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties from the blaze.

Emergency services, including two fire engines, were promptly dispatched to the location following a report of smoke by residents. Upon arrival, firefighters and residents worked together to contain the flames. The pandal had been decorated with a theme inspired by Mata Vaishno Devi, and it also housed an idol of Ashok Sundari. The decorative materials and various items within the pandal were destroyed in the fire.

The suspected cause of the incident was a short circuit, which led to the power department engaging in repairs to damaged lines and equipment. The incident report stated, "No casualties have been reported. The exact cause of the fire will be known only after a thorough inspection of the pandal." Following the calamity, the damaged Ganesh idol was immersed in accordance with religious customs.

The pandal committee members revealed that the organization had been installing and worshipping a Ganesh idol for approximately 25 years as part of their Ganesh festival celebrations.