No lesson learnt from train tragedy

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 13

It seems that no lesson has been learnt from the train tragedy that took place on Dasehra as residents on Tuesday performed Chhath Puja on the banks of the Upper Bari Doab Canal, putting their lives at risk.

The organisers of Chhatt Puja did not take any permission from the police or the district administration. Around 5,000 persons, including woman and children, gathered on the banks of the canal to perform the puja. Fortunately, no untoward incident was reported.

According to information, the administration can’t give permission to organise such events on the banks of a canal.

“Canals are meant for the irrigation purpose. Throwing something in the canal is an offence. How can the government allow anyone to organise such an event in which the devotees leave puja material in the canal?” said an official.

While taking precursory measures, the police had informed the district administration and Irrigation Department about it. Cops were deployed to keep a vigil.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jaspreet Singh said, “We have written to the officials of the Irrigation Department asking them to decrease the supply of water in the canal. Moreover, warning flax boards were also installed. A large number of police personnel deployed for the safety of devotees.”

“We made all efforts to convince people not to organise the event on the banks of the canal, but they did not bother. We have made precautionary arrangements, but it is sad that public don’t show any concern over their own safety,” said the ACP.

Meanwhile, Chhath Puja has been performed in Durgiana Temple with zeal.