Matabari storm: Gomati DM orders 2-day probe into collapsed fair gates

The Gomati district administration has ordered a two-day inquiry into the collapse of decorative gates and other safety lapses at the Diwali Mela around the Mata Tripureswari (Tripura Sundari) temple at Matabari in Udaipur, after a violent storm tore through the fairground.

District Magistrate Rinku Lather told a press conference that the inquiry would examine whether there were technical shortcomings or negligence on the part of the contractor who built and installed the gates, and that action would follow if any fault was found. She said the findings and any action taken would be shared with the media once the probe is complete.

No casualties, heavy damage

Strong winds and heavy rain brought down at least five decorative gates around the fairground, according to Tripurainfo, and damaged temporary stalls, lighting, the cultural stage and the audience shelter in front of it. Two large LED screens, reportedly worth around Rs 40 lakh, fell forward from the stage. No deaths or injuries were reported.

The DM described the storm as an unexpected natural disaster and said there had been no forecast warning of a storm of that intensity. According to her, electricity across the fairground was restored within about two hours and traffic and pedestrian movement on the affected roads returned to normal after joint work by the district administration, police and other departments.

Questions over safety arrangements

At the press conference, journalists asked why the large gates had not been given deeper foundations and proper anchoring against strong wind, why diesel generator back-up failed during the emergency, and why several parts of the fairground lacked waterproof roofing and shelters. The DM did not give specific explanations but said any negligence or irregularity established by the inquiry would invite action.

Compensation and a possible extra day

Lather said traders, contractors and service providers who suffered losses would be considered for compensation once the damage has been assessed. Lighting, sound and LED agencies have reported extensive damage to their equipment, and many small traders who borrowed money to set up stalls for the three-day fair now face losses.

The administration is also considering extending the Diwali Mela by one day to make up for the disruption. The DM said a final decision would be taken after talks with the temple trust and the mela committee, and would depend on the weather and the overall situation. Traders had earlier asked for an extension.

Background

Matabari's Diwali festival is one of Tripura's biggest religious and cultural gatherings and draws devotees from across the state and beyond. The storm on Monday evening, the second day of the festival, also cut power across Amarpur subdivision and Natun Bazar, as NEInsider reported earlier.