Pothole-Ridden Roads Raise Safety Concerns Ahead of Sambhal Kartik Purnima Fair

The poor condition of the road has come to light ahead of the Kartik Purnima fair, raising concerns over the safety of devotees travelling to the event. The affected stretches include the Sambhal-Gawan Road and the Gawan-Anupshahr Road up to the T-point police outpost.

The road has deteriorated badly. Deep potholes have also developed on both sides of the road between Chamad Temple at Deepur Dam and the Ganga bridge. The potholes were formed after soil along the edges of the road was washed away by rainwater.

The damaged roads are being used by devotees and vehicles travelling to the mini Kumbh fair held at Sisouna-Danda Ganga Ghat in Sambhal district on Kartik Purnima. The condition of the road has raised serious questions about the safety arrangements for those attending the fair.

Lakhs of devotees reach Sisouna-Danda Ganga Ghat for a Ganga bath on the occasion of Kartik Purnima. The route witnesses heavy movement of devotees and vehicles during this period. The deep potholes created by soil erosion along both sides of the road could lead to a major accident.

The danger is expected to increase when the crowd grows during the fair. Vehicle drivers and pedestrians could face greater risks while passing through the damaged stretches and the areas around the deep potholes.

Local residents and devotees have expressed concern over the poor condition of the road and the safety of people travelling to the fair. They have questioned why repairs have not been carried out even though the Kartik Purnima fair is approaching.

They have also raised the question of whether the responsible officials are waiting for a major accident before taking action. The road damage and soil erosion have increased the need for an immediate inspection before the fair begins.

For public safety, local residents have demanded that the district administration arrange an urgent inspection of the Sambhal-Gawan Road, the section of the Gawan-Anupshahr Road up to the T-point police outpost, and the road from Chamad Temple at Deepur Dam to the Ganga bridge.

They have sought immediate repairs to the erosion along the roadside and the deep potholes. The demand is aimed at ensuring a safe journey for devotees attending the Kartik Purnima fair and preventing any untoward incident.

Rajat Malhotra