Q. As an expert in Space planning, project management, infrastructure and public space design, what is your core philosophy on public safety?

Ar. Small oversights often lead to large consequences; that’s the unfortunate truth when it comes to public safety. I firmly believe that safety and security should never be reactive measures; they must be proactively designed into every public experience. Through my associations with bodies like FSAI (Fire & Security Association of India) and IIID (Indian Institute of Interior Designers), I work towards spreading safety awareness across citizens, institutions, and public systems.
In the past decade, several tragic fire and crowd-related incidents in our cities have highlighted the urgent need for safety education, especially among event organizers and the general public. We need to cultivate safety as a culture - not just a checklist.

Q. The festive season in Mumbai begins with Ganesh Chaturthi and culminates in Navratri. What safety considerations must be prioritized during such large-scale public celebrations?

Ar. Mumbai's festive energy is unmatched. From Ganesh Utsav to Navratri, the city transforms into a vibrant, devotional hub attracting millions of devotees. However,this also means high-densityfootfall, electrical setups, temporary structures, and logistical pressure a breeding ground for potential safety hazards if not managed systematically.
My concern lies in two core areas: preventive infrastructure and emergency readiness. Organizers must be trained, crowd flows scientifically managed, materials fire-rated, and every pandal equipped with risk mitigation tools. When security, planning, and crowd psychology work hand-in-hand, festivals become both joyous and safe.
“Let’s not just celebrate the divine, let’s honor life to; by staying safe, prepared, and alert.”

Q. What are the key safety measures every citizen must take when visiting crowded events or pandals?

Ar. Safety Tips for Citizens:

• 1. Always carry a personal ID and emergency contact card.
• 2. Keep essential medicines, water bottles, and a small torch in your bag.
• 3. If you have children or senior citizens with you, stay close and avoid congested zones.
• 4. Do not touch exposed wiring, loose cables, or suspicious objects.
• 5. In case of a panic situation, avoid running move steadily towards exit signage.
• 6. Identify the nearest exit and first aid location as soon as you enter.
• 7. Be a responsible citizen report any unsafe practices or crowd misbehavior immediately.

“It takes just one spark of awareness to prevent a fire of regret.”

Q. From the organizer’s standpoint, what constitutes a well-planned, safety-compliant mandal or festive setup?

Ar. A well-managed mandal goes beyond decoration and devotional fervor. It includes:

• Fire-retardant material usage (FRLS wiring, enclosed DBs, MCB, ELCB integration).
• Adequate number of functioning fire extinguishers.
• CCTV surveillance with night vision colour cameras & centralized control.
• Provide adequate Emergency Evacuation Plans at appropriate locations indicating devotee location (You are here) having multiple clear entry / exit points with glow signages.
• Proper and adequate space to be marked as Assembly Point for all devotees, etc. to assemble in case of any emergency.
• Trained volunteers and medical staff on standby.
• Ambulance and fire engine availability during peak hours.
• Unobstructed evacuation paths with paved flooring.
• Structurally sound safe Ramps with proper gradient.
• Avoid laying exposed wiring, cables, ac piping running through floor level as mostly Ganesh Chaturthi is during monsoon season to avoid short circuit, etc.
• Backup generators for emergency lighting, BMS, communication equipment and other related functions.
• In large pandals, provisions like sprinkler system, smoke detection system, insurance cover,dog squads, medical assistance with doctor available 24x7 and crowd control barricades should also be in place.
• Provide proper adequate lighting and ventilation of Mandals to avoid suffocation when devotees are in queue.
• Provide drinking water facility at proper locations.
• Provide adequate number of metal detectors at entrance and exits.
• Design and execute the set with use of non-combustible materials only.
• It will be an ideal scenario if a disaster management plan is in place.

“The grandeur of a festival and Mandal lies not just in the crowd it draws, but in how safely it lets them go.”

Q. What role does design play in ensuring public safety during festivals?

Ar.Design is a silent enabler of safety. The layout of the space, material selection, crowd flow strategy, signage visibility; these are design decisions with a direct impact on public well-being. Every Set-designer must be sensitized to emergency egress design, passive fire safety, and human-centric movement behaviour. Good design doesn’t just look good; it protects.
"Crowds may come for the devotionbut they stay secure when design, planning, and safety lead the way.”

Q. How can the government and civic bodies support safer celebrations in the future?

Ar.Government and civic agencies can: Enforce safety inspections before mandals open to the public. Mandate training and certification for festival organizers. Provide centralized control rooms and rapid response units. Set up safety education campaigns in schools and local communities. Incentivize eco-friendly, safetycompliant materials through subsidy or recognition. The key is collaboration. When civic authorities, professionals, and citizens align, public safety becomes a shared responsibility.

Q. What is your message to the citizens of Mumbai as they prepare for the upcoming festive season?

Let us celebrate with heart; and with awareness.As a Daksh Nagarik (alert citizen), each of us has the power to ensure that joy does not come at the cost of safety. Let’s keep our surroundings clean, safe, and inclusive. Let’s demand and support compliance; not shortcuts.Celebrate Ganesh Utsav and Navratri with devotion, dignity, and discipline. Safety is not a regulation; it is a responsibility. “Because true celebration is not just about the moment; it’s about ensuring everyone returns home safe.” Safety First! "Let’s join hands in making Bharat Surakshit.”