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Holi Barat in Lucknow: Organisers stage dharna, dy-CM intervenes
Holi Barat organisers said that despite repeated reminders about re-laying dug up roads on the route of the procession, the LMC had not reacted to the situation
Deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma intervened when Chowk residents demonstrated against civic apathy and the state of the roads in the Old City area of the city.
Within hours of the residents’ demonstration, Sharma intervened and directed the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to construct roads in the area before Holi.
On Monday, the office-bearers of three committees, which organise the famous Holi Barat (procession) of Chowk, began a demonstration in front of the Chowk Kotwali, to protest against the dug up roads and dangling wires along the route of the procession.
Despite repeated reminders about re-laying dug up roads on the route of the procession, the LMC had not reacted to the situation.
Intervening in the matter, Sharma said, “The procession is organised by Hindus and Muslims. It’s a symbol of communal harmony and both communities participate in the procession on the day of Holi. This tradition has to continue. So, I have directed the authorities to construct the roads immediately. These roads were dug up by LESA for laying underground wires.”
The chairman of the Chowk Holi committee, Govind Sharma, said that Kamla Nehru Marg, Victoria Street and Khun Khun Ji Road are in shambles. The secretary of the procession committee, Rajkumar Verma and Vinod Maheshwari said that LESA has completed its work of fixing the boxes for underground connections but the work of connecting the wires to the consumers is still on. So, LESA has to speed up their work for the construction of the road.
LESA and LMC officials have assured to speed up work and construct roads before Holi.
Municipal commissioner Ajay Dwivedi said, “The roads will be constructed within 2 days and LESA has also been directed to complete its work within the next 48 hours.”
