Simri Bakhtiyarpur's 'Badi Durga Sthan': Transformer Installed in Front of Temple Becomes a Death Trap; Puja Committee Demands Relocation
Simri Bakhtiyarpur: The historic 'Badi Durga Sthan' temple in Simri Bakhtiyarpur, a major center of faith in the Kosi region, is currently in the news not only for its grandeur but also for a grave danger. A massive electric transformer installed right in front of the temple's main entrance and the path used by devotees has now become a "death trap" for local residents and pilgrims. The Durga Puja Committee has warned the administration and the electricity department, demanding the immediate relocation of this transformer to prevent any major untoward incident during the upcoming festivals.
Faith vs. Danger: What is the Issue?
Badi Durga Sthan is the identity of Simri Bakhtiyarpur. Throughout the year, thousands of devotees come here to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. During Durga Puja, the crowd here swells significantly. For some time now, the transformer installed right in front of the temple has been in a dilapidated state. The web of wires passing underneath it and the hanging cables are inviting a major accident at any moment.
Local residents state that sparks are frequently seen emitting from the transformer, creating a constant atmosphere of fear. People ranging from children to the elderly visit the temple premises, making this electrical equipment behave like a "time bomb."
Durga Puja Committee's Concern: Risks to Increase During Festivals
Preparations have begun in the temple premises for the upcoming Durga Puja. Officials of the Durga Puja Committee state that the risk will multiply manifold during the festival due to decorations, light and sound setups, and the surge of devotees in front of the temple. The President of the Committee stated:
"We have written to the Junior Engineer of the Electricity Department and the Sub-Divisional Officer several times, requesting them to relocate this transformer. During the Puja, there are lakhs of people here. If a wire breaks and falls on the crowd, who will be responsible? Is the administration waiting for a major tragedy?"
Administrative Negligence: Repeated Appeals, No Concrete Action
Local residents allege that they have submitted applications more than half a dozen times regarding this issue over the past two years. Every time, they are met with the assurance of a "survey being conducted," but there has been no change on the ground. People say that the administration only springs into action after a major accident occurs, but there is a lack of willpower to resolve issues proactively.
What are the Primary Dangers?
Dilapidated Wires and Sparks: The insulation on the transformer wires has completely worn off, frequently causing short circuits during humid weather or high winds.
Lack of Height Standards: This transformer is installed at such a low height from the ground that anyone could come into contact with it inadvertently or due to crowd pressure.
Congested Area: The road in front of the temple leads to the main market, ensuring constant traffic and movement.
Demands to the Administration: Wake Up Before it is Too Late
The Durga Puja Committee and local intellectuals have placed the following demands before the administration:
Relocation: The transformer should be shifted to a safe location at least 50–100 meters away from the temple's main route.
Temporary Security: Until it is shifted, security fencing and warning boards should be installed around the transformer.
Permanent Solution: Higher officials of the Electricity Department should intervene in this matter and investigate safety standards.
Public Participation and Fear for the Future
The aware citizens of Simri Bakhtiyarpur have made it clear that if the department does not remove this danger before Durga Puja, they will be forced to stage a protest and block the road in front of the temple. People believe that “the occasion of Puja is for happiness, not for inviting death.”
Badi Durga Sthan is not just a building; it is a part of the collective consciousness of this region. Putting the safety of thousands of devotees at stake because of a transformer reflects administrative insensitivity. This may be a minor technical task for the Electricity Department, but for the residents of Simri Bakhtiyarpur, it is a question of the safety of their loved ones.
