The Gomati district administration swiftly restored normalcy at Matabari Fair within two hours after a powerful storm damaged shops, decorative gateways and public facilities. DM Rinku Lather assured affected traders of possible assistance, while authorities considered extending the fair.
The Gomati district administration swiftly restored normalcy at the renowned Matabari Fair after a powerful storm caused extensive damage to temporary shops, decorative gateways, visitor shelters and other public facilities across the fairgrounds. Taking immediate action, the administration cleared damaged structures, restored essential facilities and ensured that visitors could resume their participation in the religious and cultural gathering within approximately two hours.
District Magistrate Rinku Lather also assured that small traders who suffered financial losses due to the sudden natural calamity would receive all possible assistance under the applicable disaster management provisions.
Following the storm, which affected several installations and infrastructure across the fair premises, District Magistrate Rinku Lather visited the site to assess the extent of the damage and review the ongoing restoration work. She said the administration’s immediate priority was to ensure public safety, restore normal activities and minimise inconvenience to visitors, devotees and traders.
According to officials, the powerful winds damaged several temporary shops, decorative lighting gateways, visitor sheds and other installations. A number of ornamental arches erected to enhance the appearance of the fairgrounds also suffered substantial damage, while several trees were uprooted due to the intensity of the storm.
Despite the widespread damage, the district administration launched restoration operations on a war footing. Coordinated efforts involving the police, sub-divisional administration and other concerned departments helped clear the affected areas and repair damaged facilities within a remarkably short period.
Providing details of the restoration measures, District Magistrate Rinku Lather said that damaged visitor shelters, government department stalls and private business establishments were repaired within a few hours. Some collapsed decorative arches had temporarily obstructed movement inside the fairgrounds, creating difficulties for visitors. However, police personnel and administrative teams worked together to remove the obstructions and clear all major routes within approximately one hour.
As a result of these coordinated efforts, visitors were able to access the fairgrounds without any major disruption from Monday evening onwards. The administration’s rapid response also helped restore the festive atmosphere, allowing devotees, visitors and traders to continue participating in the annual gathering.
Addressing concerns over the financial losses suffered by small traders, the District Magistrate assured that the affected individuals would not be left unattended. She stated that the administration was examining the possibilities of extending assistance to those whose shops, stalls and merchandise were damaged during the storm.
She further assured that both the Gomati district administration and the Matabari Temple Trust would extend all possible support to the affected traders. The assistance process will be examined in accordance with the relevant provisions and guidelines under disaster management regulations.
Meanwhile, the administration has decided to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse of several decorative gateways. According to the District Magistrate, three to four large ornamental structures sustained significant damage during the storm. Authorities will examine whether the collapse occurred entirely due to the severe weather conditions or whether any construction-related or installation-related negligence contributed to the incident.
She made it clear that if any negligence is established on the part of a concerned department, agency, contractor or individual, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the inquiry. The investigation is expected to help determine the actual reasons behind the damage and establish accountability wherever necessary.
Emphasising the administration’s response during the emergency, Rinku Lather said that protecting human life remained the foremost priority. Fortunately, despite considerable damage to property and public infrastructure, no fatalities or reports of serious injuries were received.
The District Magistrate expressed relief that the storm did not result in a major human tragedy. She indicated that timely preventive measures and prompt administrative intervention played an important role in preventing further difficulties and ensuring the safety of people present at the fairgrounds.
The festive atmosphere gradually returned as restoration work progressed. Visitor footfall began increasing again on Monday night, with devotees and tourists arriving at the fairgrounds in considerable numbers. Traders were also reassured by the administration’s commitment to restoration and possible financial assistance.
By Monday evening, most of the affected areas had regained their normal appearance, and the fair was once again witnessing the usual festive activities. The swift restoration efforts helped prevent prolonged disruption to one of Tripura’s important religious and cultural gatherings.
In another significant development, the district administration is considering extending the duration of the Matabari Fair to provide some relief to traders who lost valuable business hours due to the storm. The fair is currently scheduled to conclude on November 11. However, discussions will be held with the fair committee to examine the possibility of extending the event by an additional day.
Such an extension, if approved, could provide affected vendors and business owners with additional opportunities to recover some of their financial losses and continue their commercial activities.
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The Matabari Fair, held in connection with the religious and cultural significance of the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple, attracts devotees, visitors and traders from different parts of the state and beyond. The sudden storm had raised concerns over the continuation of the event, but the administration’s prompt response helped prevent a prolonged disruption.
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With restoration work largely completed, assistance for affected traders under consideration and a possible extension of the fair being discussed, the Gomati district administration is now focused on ensuring the smooth and safe continuation of the gathering.
The swift restoration within approximately two hours has highlighted the importance of coordinated disaster response, while the assurance of support to affected traders has provided relief to small business owners whose livelihoods were temporarily disrupted by the natural calamity.
