Agartala, Nov 9: Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds disrupted the ongoing three-day Matabari Diwali fair in Tripura’s Gomati district on Monday, damaging several temporary stalls, disrupting the movement of devotees and causing financial losses to small traders.
Several stall roofs were blown away by strong winds, while a tall gate carrying lighting arrangements collapsed at Brahmabari amid the inclement weather, local sources said.
A tin shed erected in front of a stage also came crashing down following the heavy downpour, triggering concern among traders and visitors at the fair.
The sudden rainfall adversely affected the movement of devotees at the historic Tripura Sundari temple premises, while several small and marginal traders suffered losses after their stalls were damaged, they said.
Following the disruption, traders have demanded that the authorities extend the three-day fair by another day to compensate for the loss of business caused by the adverse weather conditions.
The Gomati district administration issued a public advisory, urging residents and visitors to exercise caution following heavy rainfall in several parts of the district.
In a social media post, the District Magistrate of Gomati said the district had witnessed unprecedented rainfall at multiple locations and that the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) was closely monitoring the situation.
Road clearance and restoration operations were being undertaken by the sub-divisional administrations with support from police, line departments and Civil Defence volunteers, the post said.
“As of now, no major injury or accident has been reported,” the district magistrate said.
The advisory urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through waterlogged areas and vulnerable road stretches, and stay away from overflowing streams, drains and other potentially dangerous locations.
Residents were also asked to immediately report emergencies or untoward incidents to the district administration, police or concerned authorities.
The administration, police and other departments were on alert and working in close coordination to ensure public safety and respond promptly to emergencies, the advisory said.
Meanwhile, power supply at the temple premises was reportedly disrupted for some time due to the adverse weather but was restored promptly, sources said.
The annual Matabari Diwali festival and fair attracts large numbers of devotees and visitors from across Tripura and neighbouring areas.
