By Special Correspondent
Jabalpur: With the Navratri festival approaching, concerns have been raised over traffic chaos and disruption of emergency services in Jabalpur’s key Durga pandal areas. Every year, massive crowds in locations such as Sarafa, Badi Mahakali at Gada Phatak, Aaga Chowk Maa Kali, and MR-4 Road Maa Kali at Kachpura cause traffic jams that delay ambulances and fire brigades, putting lives at risk.
NSUI national spokesperson Viraj Yadav has written to the district administration, demanding urgent measures to prevent recurring problems. He has called for strict traffic diversions, designated no-parking zones, and the establishment of uninterrupted emergency corridors throughout the festive period.
The letter emphasises that pandal routes become completely blocked each year, crippling emergency response. Yadav urged real-time coordination between the administration, traffic police, and organisers, alongside the deployment of police personnel and volunteers at key junctions. He further stressed the need to inform citizens about alternative routes and emergency helplines in advance.
“Festivals should embody both devotion and safety, but inadequate arrangements endanger citizens’ health and security,” Yadav stated. He warned that if concrete action is not taken swiftly, NSUI will launch a protest to press for public safety measures.
