Press Conference: 6 Pilgrim Deaths Spark Kanwar Size Debate

The accident that occurred during the pilgrimage to Grand-Bassin has sparked a discussion led by the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Avinash Teeluck.

He announced a period of reflection and consultations on the size of the kanwars (holy water pots carried by pilgrims), though he did not indicate whether there would be new legislation.

“We need to raise awareness. Anticipate to prevent us from finding ourselves in a similar situation. There will be consultations,” stated Minister Teeluck during a press conference of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) in Port Louis on Saturday, March 9, while commenting on the accident that resulted in the deaths of six young pilgrims.

Although he did not explicitly address the need for legislation regarding kanwars, Minister Teeluck emphasized the existing laws prohibiting any contact with infrastructures of the Central Electricity Board. “However, further sensitization is necessary.”

He also commended the efforts of the working group chaired by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

“Infrastructure improvements have been made. The Prime Minister closely supervises the work of the group, and measures have been taken,” he declared.

Regarding the National Day celebrations, Avinash Teeluck noted that this year marks the return of festivities to Champ de Mars after four years. “There will be a police and institutional parade, as well as performances by headline artists.”

He also announced that the flag-raising ceremony will take place at 2 pm to avoid disrupting religious fasting.

Minister of National Infrastructures, Bobby Hurreeram, who was also present, addressed the recent installations in Agaléga, criticizing what he described as baseless criticism from demagogues.

“Some people claim that houses should have been built first. But how can we build houses and hope to improve the lives of the brothers and sisters of Agaléga without connectivity?”

He highlighted that the new facilities inaugurated last week will allow Agaléga to benefit from necessary developments.

Additionally, he commented on the inauguration of the SAJ Bridge, connecting Sorèze and Coromandel, calling the infrastructure “revolutionary” in the region.

He emphasized that it will enable residents of Coromandel to reach the Pailles region in just two minutes.

Source: Defi Media