Daltonganj: This year’s Ravan Dahan at Shivajee Maidan on the banks of Koyel river is likely to face a major crowd-management challenge due to the closure of a key approach road leading to the venue.A nearly one-kilometre stretch connecting Chitragupt Mandir and Dashgatra Ghat has been blocked at one end following earthwork for the construction of a new concrete bridge over Koyel river. The road served as one of the main access routes to Shivajee Maidan and its closure is expected to create congestion as thousands gather for the annual event.Ravan Dahan in Daltonganj typically attracts between 8,000 and 10,000 spectators.Deputy commissioner Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat: “To ease congestion, strict restrictions will be imposed on the entry of two-wheelers and four-wheelers near the Ravan Dahan venue.”Sri Kendriya Durga Puja Maha Samiti president Durga Johri said the Ravan Dahan committee would take a final decision within the next couple of days. The effigy is expected to be around 40 feet tall.Town police officer-in-charge Jyotilal Rajwar said, “A ground survey of Shivajee Maidan and its entry and exit points would be conducted, with crowd management and spectator safety remaining top priorities.”
