Gorakhpur angry at dilapidated condition of Freedom fighters’ memorial

GORAKHPUR - On the eve of India’s 64th Independence Day, the dilapidated condition of freedom fighters’ memorials here has drawn sharp criticism from the citizens.

The area around the Doriyah Kala Independence Memorial, erected in the memory of freedom fighters who were killed on August 23, 1942.

Town people complain that the memorials are befouled, strewn with garbage and animal droppings, but the civic authorities have not done anything about it.

“The bad condition of the memorials shows the carelessness and irresponsible attitude of the Municipal Corporation. In fact, they must not just look after it, but they must renovate it as a tribute to the freedom fighters. The souls of the dead freedom fighters will be at peace, and would appreciate that something is being done to remember their sacrifice for the country,” said Ram Narayan Pandey.

The condition of another memorial in Chauri Chaura area of the city is equally filthy. The entrance gateway and the walls of the monument are also damaged and have not been restored.

Anju Chaudhari, the Mayor of the city, took the allegations lightly and insisted that it is the responsibility of every citizen to look after the memorials along with the authorities.

“When our national events, like 26th January (Republic Day) and 15th August (Independence Day) are about to come, we specially look after the cleaning and repainting of the memorials in the city. We have formed a rule in the Municipal Corporation of entire Gorakhpur that on every Friday, the memorials should be cleaned,” said Chaudhari.

“Many times the cleaning is not done but for this, I believe, if you are a proud Indian and resident of the city, then you can also do the needful for the maintenance of the memorial and the area around it,” she added.

The memorial at Chauri Chaura was built in remembrance of the freedom fighters, who were killed on February 4, 1922. By Pavan Shah (ANI)