barricade
2023.04.16 (Vrindavan Today News): Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari temple was the scene of chaos once again on Saturday, as a new experiment by the area administration failed yet again. The administration had installed iron barricading along the street from Vidyapeeth Chauraha to Banke Lala Pede Wale on Friday, in an effort to manage the large crowds of devotees that visit the temple each day, especially during weekends. However, the system failed, resulting in a scuffle that left women, children, and elderly people in a state of distress. The barricading was uprooted by the administration itself in the night due to its failure.
As the pressure of the crowd increased on Saturday morning, the devotees tried to enter the barricading in haste, causing a scuffle inside and outside the barricading. The situation worsened as there was less space near Bihariji Chowki, and a gathering of returning pilgrims resulted in clashes from both sides.
To make matters worse, an ox entered the barricading, causing panic among the devotees, who had to save their lives by jumping over the barricades. There were reports of injuries to some women due to the collision of cattle, and the incident was recorded and made viral on social media.
Devotees were also upset due to the non-availability of vehicles, with traffic jams in Vrindavan on Saturday. The illegal operation of e-rickshaws and tempos was stopped due to the strictness of the police, and people had to walk several kilometers in the hot afternoon from multi-level parking to Prem Mandir, Ramanreti police post, and ISKCON temple.
Despite the administration’s numerous attempts to manage the crowds at Banke Bihari temple, they have yet to come up with a viable solution that truly works. Saturday’s chaotic scene only adds to the long list of failed experiments, leaving the devotees and local people worried about their safety and convenience. The administration needs to take swift action to address the situation before it escalates further, and come up with a plan that truly caters to the needs of the people visiting the temple.
