Tripura, Oct 1: The Ashtami night in Teliamura turned chaotic as sudden thunderstorms, accompanied by nearly an hour of heavy rain and strong gusty winds, wreaked havoc on Durga Puja celebrations. The downpour left several pandals and gates damaged, injured multiple people, and raised serious concerns over administrative preparedness during the festive season.
The most alarming incident occurred at Netaji Nagar Smriti Sangh’s puja pandal, where the main decorative gate collapsed onto a passing vehicle amid the storm. Locals reported panic in the area as people scrambled for safety while heavy rainfall lashed the town.
Biplab Biswas, the driver of a tomtom (local three-wheeler), narrowly escaped with minor injuries when the gate crashed onto his vehicle. Recounting the terrifying moment, he said:
“I was returning home from Chakmaghat when suddenly, in the middle of the rain, the large gate fell onto my vehicle at Netaji Nagar. Luckily, no passengers were with me, and I only suffered a minor nose injury. Had the administration taken proper precautions, such an accident could have been avoided.”
The collapse prompted sharp criticism from locals, who questioned the role of the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Fire Services in inspecting and ensuring the safety of temporary structures built along the national highway during the puja. Many alleged that the PWD failed to conduct adequate checks before allowing such massive gates to be installed.
Responding to the situation, Teliamura Fire Station Officer Binoy Majumder stated that the incident was primarily the result of natural forces.
“Due to heavy rain and strong winds, the gate collapsed. This was a natural disaster beyond human control, though the structure did have protective measures. We have also received reports that one or two more gates in the area have fallen. These will be reinstalled soon,” he said.
The incident has cast a shadow over this year’s Durga Puja festivities in Teliamura, with several pandals and decorative gates suffering partial damage. Residents say the mishap has “spoiled the spirit of the celebrations” in the town.
As light rain continued through the following morning, uncertainty lingered over further disruptions. With two consecutive years of weather-related mishaps during Durga Puja in Tripura, calls are growing louder for stricter administrative oversight and enforcement of safety protocols in the construction of pandals and temporary gates.
