Councilors Shandilya Nandikesh's Anger Erupts Over the Dilapidated State of Bholanath Pul During Shravani Mela; Opens Front Against Municipal Corporation Administration, Says—"Playing with the Faith of Lakhs of Devotees"
Bhagalpur, Office Correspondent: The auspicious occasion of the holy Shravani Mela is underway, and lakhs of kanwarias and Shiva devotees from across the country and abroad are journeying from Sultanganj, the city of Baba Bholenath, toward Deoghar. Amidst this, the harrowing condition of the highly sensitive and busiest Bholanath Pul (Bridge) in Silk City Bhagalpur has sparked fury among local public representatives. Popular Bhagalpur Municipal Corporation Councilor Shandilya Nandikesh has opened a direct and fierce front against the municipal corporation administration and railway authorities over the deterioration and administrative apathy surrounding Bholanath Pul. The councilor remarked in sharp terms that due to the filth, waterlogging, and dilapidated state of this crucial route—even during the holy month of Sawan—devotees and the general public are being forced to endure immense harassment.
What Is the Real Condition of Bholanath Pul? Why Are Councilors Outraged?
During the Shravani Mela, Bholanath Pul serves as a primary transit route for Shiva devotees and local residents passing through Bhagalpur, but its pathetic state emerges as a massive crisis every year:
The Sole Major Option, Yet Dilapidated: While speaking to the media, Councilor Shandilya Nandikesh stated that for devotees traveling from Bhagalpur Railway Station and various parts of the city toward Sultanganj or Jharkhand, this bridge is one of the principal routes. Despite this, the area under and around the bridge constantly remains a domain of waterlogging, mud, and heavy filth.
Compelled to Wade Through Filthy Water and Mud: In this holy month of Sawan, when kanwarias and barefoot Shiva devotees pass by, they are forced to wade through knee-deep dirty water and overflowing sewage beneath the bridge. Councilors note that this situation not only exposes the hollowness of administrative claims but is also a direct assault on the faith and health of incoming devotees.
Councilor Shandilya Nandikesh's Scathing Attack on the Administration
Angered by the attitude of the municipal administration, Councilor Shandilya Nandikesh issued a stern warning:
Why Do Officials Fail to Wake Up?: The councilor stated that grand claims are made by the district administration and municipal corporation regarding preparations for the Shravani Mela, with plans showing crores of rupees spent on paper, yet conditions on the ground remain unchanged. Do officials lack the realization that lakhs of devotees traverse this route during Sawan?
Lack of Coordination Between Railways and Corporation: On the issue of widening Bholanath Pul and drainage, the ball has always been tossed back and forth between the railways and the municipal corporation administration. The councilor categorically stated that due to mutual bickering and administrative lethargy, the people of Bhagalpur and Shiva devotees arriving from all over the country are paying the price today.
Escalating Hardships for Devotees and Local Business Owners
This dilapidated state of Bholanath Pul is causing severe distress not just to kanwarias, but also to local citizens and the trading community:
Impact on Trade and Traffic Jams: Due to waterlogging and potholes beneath the bridge, vehicles get stuck frequently, creating massive traffic jams lasting for hours. Emergency vehicles like ambulances also get trapped in these bottlenecks.
Risk of Diseases: The foul odor rising from accumulated dirty water and rotting garbage has created a persistent threat of communicable diseases spreading in the surrounding areas.
Councilor's Warning: Fierce Agitation if Repairs Are Not Made
Gauging the gravity of the circumstances, Councilor Shandilya Nandikesh has served a strict ultimatum to the administration:
Demand for Immediate Cleanup and Water Supply Improvement: He has demanded that the Municipal Commissioner and concerned officials immediately drain the water near Bholanath Pul, spray bleaching powder and lime, and ensure continuous sanitation.
Warning of Street Protests: The councilor explicitly stated that if the administration fails to take concrete steps in this direction within the next 24 hours, he will be compelled to take to the streets alongside local residents and Shiva devotees to launch an aggressive agitation against the municipal corporation office.
This dilapidated state of Bholanath Pul during a holy and significant religious event like the Shravani Mela serves as a severe blot on the administrative machinery. This vocal initiative taken by Councilor Shandilya Nandikesh has once again exposed the shortcomings of the administration. It remains to be seen whether the municipal corporation administration, currently slumbering in deep apathy, will spring into action following this warning, or if devotees will continue to face hardships.
