A couple in Agra celebrated their wedding anniversary on a dirty road filled with foul-smelling rubbish and filthy water to protest against years of delayed work and inaction by the authorities.
Dressed as bride and groom, Mr Bhagwan Sharma and his wife Uma Devi marked their 17th wedding anniversary on Sunday amid the dirt and rubbish on the road, located in the Uttar Pradesh city’s Nagala Kali area.
As they garlanded each other, residents held placards saying that they would not vote if the road and drain are not properly constructed, reported The Times of India.
The locals said the problem has persisted for 15 years. But, in the last eight months, the road has turned into a dirty drain, making it difficult for residents to commute.
People from more than 30 colonies use this road. But, due to the filthy conditions, they have to take a detour of 2km.
A few days earlier, posters saying ‘No development, no vote’ were pasted outside a dozen colonies in the area, but to no avail, reported India Today.
The residents complained that public representatives have not taken any action despite multiple demands.
In frustration, Mr Sharma decided to stage the unique protest alongside his wife.
The anniversary celebration was attended by fellow residents accompanied by a musical band.
Mr Sharma said the couple’s initial plan was to celebrate their wedding anniversary in Lakshadweep or the Maldives. However, the bad sewer and waste disposal facilities in their area made them change their minds.
On Sunday, the couple garlanded each other as priests chanted mantras and then the guests had a “feast” standing on the muddy road.
“Since the last 15 years, we have been making continued efforts,” said Mr Sharma. “We have gone to all the public representatives and concerned authorities. Since there was no action, we were forced to protest in such a manner.”
Ms Devi said the protest was to highlight the issue on a larger scale.
“The Yogi (Adityanath) government is doing a good job. But workers and public representatives do not come to see the problems for themselves,” she said.
The residents said they will continue to hold celebrations – such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries – amid the unsanitary conditions until their concerns are addressed.
It appears the government has heard their pleas.
District Magistrate Bhanu Chandra Goswami said: “We have taken cognisance of the problems highlighted by the residents. A team has been tasked to present a report on the ground situation. Further action will be taken to provide a solution.”
