Baipariguda: Only 6 days remain. On the upcoming 26th, Maha Shivaratri will be observed, and the renowned Shaiva pilgrimage site, Gupteswar, will celebrate the Jagar Yatra. Keeping this in mind, administrative preparations are in full swing. Trees along both sides of the road from the sub-divisional headquarters to the pilgrimage site are being painted white. Potholes on the road are being repaired. Our correspondent, Sarbeswar Barad, has assessed the situation on the ground.
Dried Trees Pose a Threat
Gupteswar is 35 km from Baipariguda. Hundreds of dried trees stand along both sides of the road. Many of these trees are hollow due to insect infestation. Even a mild breeze causes dry branches to fall, posing a danger to travelers. If these trees are not removed, they could create serious risks for the pilgrims.
Is Dakari Ghat Safe? Concerns Over Accidents
The Dakari Ghat has been cut through to widen the road. However, even after the road expansion, steep 30-40 feet high earthen and rocky slopes remain on both sides. Continuous rainfall could lead to landslides, bringing down trees, rocks, and soil. The administration needs to pay urgent attention to this issue.
Poor Condition of Riverbank Road
The 1 km road from the first gate of the pilgrimage site to the Shabari riverbank is in a terrible state. Due to lack of maintenance, it has become almost impassable. Walking barefoot is difficult. It is necessary to level the surface by spreading sand and removing scattered stones.
Garbage Everywhere: Poor Sanitation at the Pilgrimage Site
Garbage is visible all around. Plastic waste, polythene, discarded items, and decomposed leaves from trees create an unpleasant environment. Cleanliness is not being given due importance.
Chhattisgarh Mobile Network as the Only Hope
To ensure connectivity for pilgrims, the state government had set up a BSNL tower at the site. However, for the past six months, the service has been completely non-functional due to a burned-out battery. Repeated complaints have not led to repairs. The Jio mobile network from neighboring Chhattisgarh provides some coverage, but it is unreliable most of the time.
Issues Everywhere at Gupteswar Pilgrimage Site
Drinking Water Shortage: A Major Problem
The biggest issue at the pilgrimage site is the lack of drinking water for devotees. Despite persistent problems year after year, no permanent solution has been found. Currently, water is drawn from a single borewell in Siribeda. As there is no alternative arrangement, water supply stops during power outages.
Darkness After Sunset
Earlier, decorative lighting made the pilgrimage site glow beautifully at night. However, as part of the so-called beautification process, these lights have been removed. As a result, after sunset, the entire area plunges into darkness. Locals complain that the situation is worsening.
Only 25 Toilets for Pilgrims
Like every year, this time too, the administration expects a crowd of over a lakh devotees at Jagar Yatra. Unfortunately, only 25 toilets have been arranged for them. Due to insufficient sanitation facilities, many are forced to relieve themselves in open areas. There is a demand to increase the number of toilets and improve cleanliness.
Traders in Dilemma
A total of 40 temporary shop structures have been built in the area. However, another 80 stalls are yet to be completed. Even the finished shops have not been allotted, leading to growing dissatisfaction among traders. Many are forced to conduct business on the roadside due to the lack of designated stalls.
Temporary Bridge Over Shabari River
A temporary bridge is being constructed over the Shabari River to facilitate movement for pilgrims from neighboring Chhattisgarh. This bridge, made of bamboo and wood, is being bui…