Dhanuyatra Arch Collapses, Corruption Allegations Surface!

Politics Intensifies After Collapse of Dhanuyatra Memorial Gate in Bargarh.

The collapse of the Dhanuyatra memorial gate in Bargarh during a severe storm has sparked a major political controversy, with allegations of large-scale corruption in the construction work. The memorial gate, located at the busy Thana Chowk area of the town, collapsed during strong winds and heavy rain. Two rickshaw pullers were seriously injured after being trapped under the falling structure and are currently undergoing treatment in hospital. Questions are now being raised over how a gate reportedly built at a cost of nearly ₹1 crore could collapse so easily during a storm. The incident has triggered accusations of poor construction quality and misuse of public funds. Following the incident, Bargarh Municipal Chairperson Kalpana Majhi lodged an FIR against the Chief Engineer of the Works Department. Meanwhile, Ashwini Sarangi has also taken the matter seriously and written to the district collector demanding a formal investigation into the incident. The controversy has deepened further as this is not the only damaged structure. Another Dhanuyatra-themed gate at Haldipali Chowk in Bargarh has also reportedly suffered damage, with its decorative bow structure left hanging dangerously. Earlier, the Shital Sasthi memorial gate in Barpali had also collapsed during a storm. The repeated collapse of such public structures has now raised serious concerns over construction standards and accountability in government-funded projects. The collapse of the Dhanuyatra memorial gate at Thana Chowk in Bargarh has intensified criticism against the Public Works Department, as the area is known to remain heavily crowded throughout the day. Locals had reportedly opposed the construction of the gate from the very beginning, citing public safety concerns due to heavy traffic and constant movement of people in the area. However, despite objections, the structure was built, raising questions over whose interests were prioritized by the department.Allegations have also surfaced that the gate was constructed without proper consultation with the Bargarh Municipality, thereby putting public lives at risk.

Meanwhile, the issue has now taken a political turn, with the Bargarh MP demanding a vigilance investigation into the alleged irregularities and possible corruption in the construction work.Following the collapse of the Dhanuyatra memorial gate in Bargarh, concerns are growing over the safety of similar structures across the district. Residents and public representatives have stressed that such incidents should not be repeated in the future. They have demanded an immediate inspection and structural assessment of other memorial gates to prevent any further accidents. At the same time, strong action has also been sought against officials allegedly involved in corruption and negligence related to the construction work. Calls for accountability and strict punishment against erring officers are becoming louder amid public outrage over the incident.