Weak Bridge Raises Safety Concerns Ahead of Dumbur Mela in Karbook

Karbook, Gomati District: Concerns are growing over the condition of a bridge leading towards the popular Dumbur tourist and pilgrimage area in Karbook, Gomati district, as thousands of visitors are expected to arrive during the upcoming Dumbur Mela and Tirtha Snan.

Dumbur is visited by hundreds of people on a regular basis, while the annual Dumbur Mela attracts an estimated 5 to 10 lakh devotees and visitors. During the Tirtha Snan, the area witnesses a significant influx of devotees from different parts of Tripura and other states, along with visitors from outside the country.

However, a major safety concern has now emerged regarding the condition of a bridge used by visitors travelling towards Dumbur. According to a ground-level visit by our team, the bridge appears to be in a very weak and deteriorating condition. A sign on the bridge reportedly states that only light vehicles are permitted, raising questions about whether the structure is currently capable of safely handling the expected increase in traffic.

During our visit, our team also observed what appeared to be a serious concern with the bridge's foundation. The foundation seemed to be hanging above the ground rather than firmly resting on or properly connected to the ground, raising questions about the structural stability of the bridge. The exact technical condition, however, should be assessed by qualified engineers and the concerned authorities.

The issue is particularly concerning because the next Dumbur Mela and Tirtha Snan are expected in approximately five months. With a large number of devotees and tourists likely to travel through the area, any structural weakness in the bridge could pose a serious safety risk if it is not addressed in advance.

The area is regularly visited by elected representatives and public officials, including MDCs, Executive Members, MLAs and Ministers. Local residents and visitors are now questioning why the condition of the bridge has not received adequate attention despite its importance as an access route to a major tourist and religious destination.

The administration is therefore urged to immediately conduct a professional structural and safety inspection of the bridge. If necessary, repair, strengthening or reconstruction work should be completed well before the Dumbur Mela so that devotees, tourists and local residents can travel safely.

With millions of visitors expected over the course of the annual festival season, ensuring the safety of the access infrastructure should be treated as a priority.

The administration is requested to look into the matter at the earliest and take necessary action before the upcoming Dumbur Mela and Tirtha Snan.