The NCC cadets at the event
Kolkata: NCC cadets who played a crucial role in rescue and retrieval operations following the Chorbagan stampede, which claimed 19 lives, were felicitated by Maj Gen APS Chahal, additional director general, NCC Directorate, West Bengal and Sikkim, at a ceremony in New Alipore. This year, over 8,000 NCC cadets were deployed across Bengal during Durga Puja , assisting police in crowd management, regulating visitor movement, ensuring orderly pandal operations and helping elderly and vulnerable visitors navigate crowded venues. Commending their courage, presence of mind and dedication, Maj Gen Chahal praised the cadets for promptly assisting police and civil authorities during the tragedy. He also acknowledged the contributions of Associate NCC Officers, Permanent Instructors and Group Headquarters personnel, whose coordination helped ensure the smooth execution of deployment and emergency-response duties during the festivities.