300 guards jump in unison to test Mahakaleshwar temple bridge before Nag Panchami

UJJAIN: Over 300 security guards jumping in unison for 10 minutes turned into an unusual load test at the Mahakaleshwar temple complex in Ujjain, where authorities tested a 91ft-long foot overbridge that will carry thousands of devotees to the Nagchandreshwar temple during Monday's Nag Panchami.The shrine, which houses an idol depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated on Sheshnag, opens to devotees only once a year for 24 hours on Nag Panchami.While simulating a crowd load, bolts, joints and corrosion were inspected. "We recommend that no more than 300 devotees use it at a time," said Bridge Corporation SDO Raghunath Suryavanshi.With heavy footfall expected Monday,Engineers subjected the bridge to a simulated crowd load before clearing it for use. As the guards were first made to walk on the bridge and then jump together rhythmically, officials of Bridge Corporation and public works department (PWD) monitored its response.