-Sombir Kaushik
Every year, the festival of Chhath is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in Bihar and the Purvanchal region. Chhath is of significant importance to the people of Bihar and is deeply rooted in Bihari culture. Millions of people from across the country and abroad come to Bihar to celebrate Chhath with their families on this day. However, every year, the railway stations witness massive crowds, revealing the challenges in the government system.
As people return home for the festival, the journey begins during the festive season of Dussehra and Diwali, marking a significant time for those earning their livelihood in different parts of the country. However, the challenges intensify during the two-day Chhath festival. Videos circulating on the internet show overcrowded train compartments, with tickets often being waitlisted months in advance. Flights, while not as accessible for the common citizen, come at significantly higher costs.
The issue here is not just about the crowd; it’s also about the accidents that occur during this time. Moreover, it raises questions about the promises made by leaders and governments. Big speeches before Chhath Puja may not benefit the public; what is required is a systematic change to address these incidents and challenges. The arrival of the Surat Express at the railway station witnessed chaotic scenes as people struggled to board. Some fainted, and one person lost their life.
The increasing number of incidents is related to migration. There is a significant migration from Bihar happening, and the blame partly lies with the state governments. Why isn’t employment prioritized before caste-based censuses every five years during elections? Employment should be assured and fulfilled before conducting caste-based censuses.
Now, let’s look at the responsibility of the central government ministries in these arrangements. While special trains are run, they are not enough, and there is no certainty about their schedules. The situation inside these trains is often chaotic, with no clear distinction between AC and general compartments. The number of trains operating has increased this year to 82 special trains, compared to 56 the previous year, accommodating 1400 extra berths. However, despite government efforts, the challenges persist, and the number of people traveling to Bihar keeps increasing.
As the number of flights increases, the cost of airfare to Bihar has reached extreme levels. From November 17th, the fare from Delhi to Patna ranges up to ₹18,555, and from Mumbai to Patna, it reaches ₹20,777. This is higher than the cost of a flight from Dubai to Delhi. Clearly, the airlines are taking advantage of the situation, and the governments seem to have no control over it.
Buses are also arriving in large numbers, with each bus carrying 80-100 passengers, with three passengers per seat. At check posts like Balathari in Gopalganj district, people were even found sitting in trucks. The situation demands urgent attention, and it raises the question of whether the politicians are genuinely working towards building a new and improved India.
While the government makes efforts to manage the increasing numbers, there is still much to be done. The challenges and incidents during Chhath Puja highlight the need for a more efficient and responsive system to ensure the safety and well-being of the people.
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