Pilgrimage time nearing, Kanwad Patri Marg still deplorable

The Kanwad pilgrimage set to start from July 27, the Kanwad Patri Marg to be used by the pilgrims is still lying in a shambles. The administration gearing up for the Kanwad mela during which  thousands of people are likely to flock to the holy city, the deplorable state of the road the pilgrims take tells the sad story of the administrative preparation on the ground.

 It is learnt that the State irrigation department has sought Rs 40 crore from Kumbh Fund for the repair of the roads used during the Kanwad mela.

The State irrigation department is learnt to have proposed construction of a five- metre wide road to facilitate smooth movement of the pilgrims. Besides, the department officials have demanded funds to be used for the repair of Nehar Patri Marg used by the Kanwad pilgrims.

Notably, the District Magistrate had asked PWD to repair the potholes gaping on the roads while reviewing preparations of the  Kanwad mela last week in course of which the department sought Rs 40 crore for repairing and broadening the 41 km stretch of Kanwar Patri Marg which runs along with the Ganga Canal in the district.

Speaking to The Pioneer, the executive engineer, irrigation department S S Bisht said, “We have sent a proposal to the State Government regarding repair of Nehar Patri Marg and sought Rs 40 crore on the matter. The road would be made by hot mix and it would make it   easy for the pilgrims who walk barefoot.”