Despite district administration’s claims, no solid measures have been taken in the name of preparations for the much-awaited fair of the Jharkhand. Heaps of garbage and water is clogged all over the place nearby the temple area. Although local people are excited about the fair, not much has been done to benefit them in terms of electricity supply or drinking water.
Barely 15 days ahead of Mela of the lord Jagannath no cleaning measures have been taken as yet in the area that it has to be conducted. The yatra is a huge one for a sizeable population of Ranchi city and nearby areas yet no visible preparations have been made for the fair as the sites are filled with rain water and mud across the field. Some tents could be seen lying around with people who are to install the stalls and joy rides for the fair. But they seem reluctant to install them because of the inconvenience caused by some locals. They claim that some local goons were extorting them for money.
A fast food joint owner, Geeta Devi said, “They are reluctant because some locals bug them for money. Due to this extortion demanded from the stall owners they tend to delay in installing their stalls for the fair.” Although water pumps have been bought up, their installation and working is still awaited. Also no arrangements for electricity have been done.
Then there is a problem of cleaning. “The surrounding areas will be cleaned only a few days before the fair but the after-cleaning is paid no attention to and we end up doing most of the cleaning ourselves,” mentioned another shop owner. The main temple of lord Jagannath, from where the Yatra starts, is being redecorated; also the chariot of the deity is almost prepared as told by the temple Rath-maker, Mahavir lohar (a local) whose family makes the Rath for fest every year.
The water condition remains the same for the local residents. “We get up at 4 am to fill up water everyday,” commented a resident. Although the Yatra is celebrated with huge pomp and show throughout the city, what will be done to manage the crowd and the smooth conduction of the fest in the advancing monsoon appears to be a big challenge for the authorities.