Pathaliya, May 13:

Fed up by the lacklustre attitude of the authorities concerned in controlling road mishaps, locals of Bajani in Bara organised Shantipuja on the East-West Highway to prevent accidents.

“We were left with no option but to depend on God to prevent road accidents. The concerned authorities are not doing anything even as the number of accidents on the highway is increasing,” Sudip Rimal, a local, said.

He also hoped that the accidents would decrease after performing the Shantipuja.

Most of the villagers of Bajani VDC-5 were present during the Shantipuja.

According to the locals, as many as nine persons were killed in accidents on the Pathlaiya-Birgunj section in the past two years. They also said the authorities concerned had turned deaf ear to their demands to take initiative in controlling road mishaps.

“The number of vehicles plying on the road is more than the capacity of the roads. Accidents can happen even due to minor mistakes. That is why we organised Shantipuja to prevent accidents,” Sabitri Subedi, a local, explained.

Another local, Ramsharan Ghimire, said the accidents could be reduced only if the speed of the vehicles is controlled.

“Most of the drivers are aware of Shantipuja.

Some of them have even provided funds to construct a temple in the area,” Ghimire said.

The locals also have a plan to construct the temples of Hanuman and Mahadev in the area.