Protest erupts over Baisakhi Mela at Tarachand Math in Siliguri

Siliguri, 16th May: Tension prevailed in Siliguri’s Ward No. 41 over the newly-organised Baisakhi Mela at Tarachand Math near Anchal More, as a section of local residents staged protests demanding the mela be stopped even before its official inauguration.

Locals alleged that the mela was being organised without informing residents of the area. They also raised concerns that the month-long mela would severely worsen traffic congestion in the locality, particularly around the busy ISKCON Road stretch. On Saturday, residents gathered and demonstrated against the event. BJP leader Dipankar Arora was also present during the protest.

Speaking on the issue, Dipankar Arora alleged that nearly half the mela preparations had already been completed without proper legal permission. He claimed the organisers were yet to obtain the required documents and approvals for the event.

He further stated that the area already experiences heavy traffic congestion during evening hours, and the mela would increase public inconvenience further.

On the other hand, members of the mela committee stated that applications for all necessary permissions had already been submitted, although final approvals are still pending. They claimed discussions had earlier been held with local residents and consent had also been taken from many people in the area.

The organisers further stated that several traders from outside had already arrived and set up stalls for the mela. They expressed concern that shutting down the event at this stage would cause major financial losses to traders and participants. The mela committee appealed to the administration and all concerned to allow the mela to continue.