Nagpur: Festive enthusiasm once again turned into a public safety scare in the city after a Ram Navami welcome arch collapsed at Agyaram Devi Chowk on Friday, reportedly injuring two motorists and triggering chaos at the busy junction during peak hours.The massive structure, draped in saffron cloth and erected across the road, came crashing down following strong winds while traffic was moving through the intersection, forcing two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws to brake abruptly. Two persons reportedly sustained minor injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital, while traffic remained disrupted for some time as the structure fell across the crossing.Photographs from the spot showed the collapsed arch blocking all directions of traffic raising serious concerns about the continued erection of such structures on public roads despite safety risks. The incident also revived questions over the implementation of the Bombay HC’s standing ban on welcome arches, banners and hoardings across roads, which were earlier termed dangerous obstructions by the court. The incident also led to diversion of traffic, forcing motorists to take a detour.Civic sources admitted that the structure came up in full public view at a prominent junction, yet no action was taken either by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Dhantoli zone office or the traffic police before the accident. Motorists using the roads said such arches not only narrow roads but also obstruct visibility, particularly at busy crossings like Agyaram Devi Chowk.Assistant commissioner Pramod Wankhede confirmed that the welcome gate had been erected without permission. He claimed that similar arches were put up across the city during the festival. He also said that the fire brigade was immediately alerted after the collapse and the structure was removed within minutes, restoring traffic movement. Wankhede maintained that no motorists sustained serious injuries in the incident.
