With just two days remaining until the grand Rajim Kumbh Kalp Mela kicks off in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district, preparations are in disarray. Scheduled from February 1 to 15, this massive religious gathering draws lakhs of devotees annually to the sacred confluence of three rivers in Rajim. Yet, on-ground reality paints a grim picture of half-hearted efforts, shoddy construction, and glaring safety lapses.
Minister Rajesh Agarwal’s surprise inspection laid bare the mess. Temporary structures stood haphazardly erected without basic reinforcements, electrical wiring dangled perilously, and essential amenities like clean water points and sanitation remained absent. Enraged, the minister reprimanded officials and the event management agency on the spot, demanding immediate fixes. This comes hot on the heels of a recent laborer accident due to safety oversights, amplifying concerns over the event’s management.
The root issue traces back to the past three years’ reliance on event agencies for nearly everything—from pandals and stages to barricading, lighting, and decorations. While intended to streamline logistics for such a colossal event, this tender system has bred complacency and repeated failures. Critics argue that outsourcing critical responsibilities to private firms with tight deadlines compromises quality and accountability.
Local resentment is brewing over unannounced closures. Devotees expect meat and liquor shops to shut for the 15-day duration, honoring the holy site’s sanctity. However, no official directive has been issued yet, unlike previous years when alcohol sales were halted. Shopkeepers and residents alike demand clarity to avoid last-minute confusion.
Adding to the irony, several information boards still bear the old name ‘Rajim Punni Mela,’ despite the BJP government’s rebranding to ‘Rajim Kumbh (Kalp)’ post-2018. This oversight highlights bureaucratic inertia amid ongoing political tug-of-war between BJP and Congress over the event’s nomenclature.
As the clock ticks down, authorities face mounting pressure to salvage the situation. Will they deliver a safe, seamless experience for millions, or will lapses mar one of Chhattisgarh’s biggest cultural spectacles? The coming days will tell.
