FLOOD BECOMES THE CENTRE OF ‘TOURISM’ INVITING ACCIDENTS

FLOOD BECOMES THE CENTRE OF ‘TOURISM’ INVITING ACCIDENTS

9-AUG-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------On one hand, the devastating flood of Ganga has caused devastation in hundreds of villages in Shahpur Diyaranchal, on the other hand, it has become a means of 'flood tourism' and entertainment for some people. The biggest example of this is Bharouli bridge located on Shahpur-Karnamepur road, which has become a hub of selfie and reel makers these days.

Being connected to the main road and easily available transport to Shahpur and Ara, hundreds of people are reaching here every day to see the flood scene. Men, women and youth, all are seen busy capturing this disaster on their mobile phones, doing Facebook live and taking selfies. The crowd of people on the bridge is such that it seems as if there is a fair.

Seeing this crowd of people, local shopkeepers have also made it an opportunity to earn money. Shops selling tea, samosas, chaat, jalebi, corn and golgappas have been set up on the bridge itself. These shopkeepers are earning a good income due to the 'flood tourists'. However, this 'flood tourism' is also giving rise to serious safety concerns. Taking selfies and making videos by sitting on the railing of the bridge or standing in a dangerous manner can cause a major accident at any moment. The flow of water is fast and there is also pressure of a huge crowd on the bridge. Local people and enlightened citizens have expressed concern that if the administration does not take precautions in time and does not take measures to control the crowd, then an untoward incident may occur. At present, no special steps have been taken by the administration to control this crowd, due to which this risky entertainment continues.