SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Sept 27: Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds wreaked havoc on Durga Puja celebrations in Dhanbad, damaging at least half a dozen pandals and causing losses estimated at around Rs 50 lakh for the organizing committees.
The Pandal in Bhuli B Block completely collapsed, while decorative gates of pandals at Matkuria, Steel Gate Saraidhela, and Bhuli Jharkhand More were also destroyed. A scooty rider sustained injuries in Saraidhela amid the storm.
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Bhuli B Block Suffers Huge Losses
In Bhuli B Block township, one of the grandest pandals—an imposing 110-foot-high structure built on the theme of Balajee Tirupati Temple at a cost of Rs 15 lakh—was completely destroyed.
Pandal committee members blamed the decorators, alleging that the structure was weak and unable to withstand the heavy rains.
A committee member said, “We had paid 80% of the cost for the pandal. With only four days left for Durga Puja, it is impossible to remove the debris and construct a new pandal in time.”
Other Pandals and Lighting Gates Damaged
Several other pandals across the city also suffered damage. The light gate at the Lubicircular Road-based pandal fell during heavy rainfall. Similarly, the decorative gates at Matkuria and Steel Gate Saraidhela were blown down by the storm.
At Matkuria, the lighting gate of Bengal’s Chandan Nagar, built on Dhanbad-Katras Road, collapsed in the afternoon, though it was scheduled for trial in the evening.
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Organizers Face Financial and Logistical Challenges
Members of different puja committees expressed distress, noting that while heavy rains have affected the festival in the past, pandals have rarely collapsed so close to the main celebrations.
Since the puja is funded largely by devotees’ donations, it is not feasible to recover the losses in the remaining four days before the festival begins. Organizers are now struggling to manage reconstruction and ensure the festivities proceed smoothly.
