Jaipur: A gravel road built through the newly developed Pushkar fairground by Ajmer Development Authority (ADA) in Oct has raised concerns among locals and camel traders about its impact on the desert landscape, livestock movement, trade and the annual fair. The annual fair is to formally start on Nov 17.The road cuts through the 540-bigha fairground owned by the state tourism department, dividing the open stretch into two sections and bringing regular vehicular traffic into an area traditionally used for keeping and moving camels and horses during the annual fair.Locals say the movement of cars, SUVs and buses, along with noise and headlights, is disturbing animals and affecting the character of the open fairground.Raising the concern during the meeting with mela stakeholders Saturday, Arun Parashar, who belongs to a priest family in Pushkar, said the construction went ahead despite protests by locals. “Vehicular movement has increased manifold, with vehicles passing through the area throughout the day. The traffic, noise and movement of vehicles are disturbing the desert environment, disrupting the movement of camels and horses and putting tourists’ lives at risk,” he said.Bansi Raika, who travelled from Jalore with 10 camels, said the constant traffic was making it difficult to manage the animals. “Vehicles keep moving at high speed throughout the day. Honking and headlights disturb the camels and prevent them from resting properly,” he said.Koshal Singh, a camel trader from Sirohi, said the changed layout could affect business. “The mela ground has become smaller, restricting the movement of buyers. If they find it difficult to enter and move around, it will affect animal sales,” he said.Taking note of the concerns, divisional commissioner Shakti Singh Rathore told TOI Saturday that he has asked the Ajmer district collector to review the project.“The issue has come to my notice, and I have directed the district collector to look into it. Since Pushkar Fair is round the corner, I have asked officials to review the decision to build the road through the fairground after the fair. It must be ensured that camel traders do not face any inconvenience and the sanctity of the Pushkar Fair is not affected,” Rathore said.Rathore had inspected the mela stadium and fairground with district collector Lok Bandhu and other officials Friday. He directed officials to ensure adequate facilities for livestock owners and visitors, besides reviewing security and traffic arrangements for the fair.Raising his concern, Naveen Parihar, additional director, animal husbandry department, Ajmer range, and Pushkar mela officer, said, “Had the land been under the control of my department, we would not have given an inch for road construction. Instead, I would have developed a camel village, showcasing not just camels but also products made from them,” Parihar said.
