Tensions mount in Gariaband as Rajim Kumbh Kalp Mela preparations falter critically, with opening ceremonies set for February 1. Spanning a fortnight till the 15th, the event transforms Rajim into a sea of faith, hosting millions at the holy rivers’ meet. Alarming lapses in infrastructure and oversight threaten the spectacle’s success.
A shock inspection by Minister Rajesh Agarwal revealed a site in turmoil: unfinished pandals teetering on weak frames, absent fire safety gear, rudimentary toilets nowhere in sight, and chaotic wiring posing electrocution risks. He didn’t mince words, hauling up event agency heads and bureaucrats for their ‘criminal negligence.’ This follows a labor fatality from poor safety protocols, eroding trust in the arrangements.
The controversy spotlights the event-tender model adopted since 2021. Delegating pandal erection, electrification, staging, and beautification to private entities was meant to cope with the Mela’s scale. Instead, it has invited shortcuts and delays, as tight timelines clash with meticulous execution needs.
Community backlash focuses on unclear regulations. While past editions saw 15-day alcohol bans, no such order exists this year, irking purists who view it as essential for the sacred ambiance. Calls grow for blanket meat shop closures too, aligning with local sentiments in this pious town.
Nameplate neglect irks further. Lingering ‘Rajim Punni Mela’ labels defy the BJP-mandated ‘Rajim Kumbh (Kalp)’ title, a change mired in BJP-Congress politics. PWD’s inaction speaks volumes about administrative priorities.
As devotees gear up, the onus lies on officials to bridge gaps urgently. Robust policing, medical camps, and smooth logistics could still redeem the Mela, but only if complacency yields to action. Chhattisgarh watches closely.