Patna Gears Up for Chhath Puja: Over 100 Ghats Developed as Senior Officials Conduct Inspections

Anvi Singh

Patna: A high-level delegation, led by Patna Divisional Commissioner Kumar Ravi and IG, Patna Central Zone, Rakesh Rathi, undertook an extensive inspection of Chhath Ghats on Thursday. The delegation included District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh, SSP Rajeev Mishra, Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, and other senior officials who meticulously assessed the preparations at various ghats spanning from Digha Patipul Ghat to Collectorate-Mahendru Ghat.

Embarking on a walking tour that commenced at Digha Patipul Ghat at 5:30 pm, the officials covered over 15 ghats, spanning a distance of approximately 11 kilometers, concluding at Collectorate-Mahendru Ghat. Accompanying the Commissioner were Sub-Divisional Officer Patna Sadar, relevant sub- divisional Officers, Sector Police Officers, and additional team members.

The inspection included prominent ghats such as Shiva Ghat, Digha Patipul Ghat, Minar Ghat, Digha Post Office Ghat, JP Setu Western Ghat, JP Setu Eastern Ghat, Gate Number- 93 Ghat, Gate Number- 88 Ghat, Gate Number- 83 Ghat, Balupar Ghat, Kurji Ghat, LCT Ghat, Rajapur Pul Ghat, Pahalwan Ghat, Bans Ghat, Collectorate Ghat, and Mahendru Ghat. Commissioner Ravi diligently evaluated preparations and plans, covering aspects such as approach roads, cleanliness, security measures, crowd management, and traffic control, providing necessary instructions as needed.

At the Digha Pati bridge, the Divisional Commissioner flagged off 32 tankers from the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), emphasizing the distribution of Ganga water to residents in every ward during Chhath Puja. Commissioner Ravi underscored the administration’s commitment to providing holy Ganga water to households for the convenience of fasting individuals and devotees during this revered festival.

District Magistrate Singh, SSP Mishra, and Municipal Commissioner Parashar apprised Commissioner Ravi of the ongoing preparations and initiatives by the district administration and PMC. The officials assured that sector officers and sector police officers are on standby 24×7 at the ghats, ensuring continuous preparations.

Commissioner Ravi expressed satisfaction with the current state of preparations, noting improvements compared to the previous year. He emphasized the necessity of strong coordination and effective communication with all stakeholders, including puja committees, and urged officials to ensure unobstructed approach roads for a successful, convenient, and accident-free Chhath festival.

The Commissioner directed officials to install protective barricades and signage at all ghats, maintaining them in accordance with standards. Ghats posing potential risks should be highlighted with red-colored cloth to discourage devotees from approaching. The names and numbering of watchtowers and protective structures must be clearly visible.

Acknowledging the enhanced quality of ghats this year, Commissioner Ravi encouraged Chhath Vratis and devotees to use the nearest Chhath ghats, assuring that all necessary facilities are provided. The administration is making alternative arrangements in ponds for the convenience and safety of Chhath Vratis.

In addition to deploying NDRF and SDRF teams, Commissioner Ravi emphasized the continual activation of the entire disaster management system. With 21 teams of sector officials camping at over 100 ghats, the state of cleanliness is being maintained, approach roads are being kept smooth, and lighting arrangements are ensured. Entry to dangerous ghats will be restricted.

Commissioner Ravi assured that the administration is fully prepared to ensure the convenience of Chhathvartis and devotees, promising excellent crowd management, robust security arrangements, and smooth traffic control. The ghats will be monitored through CCTV cameras, and watchtowers and control rooms will be established. Magistrates and forces will be deputed, river patrolling will be active, and medical teams will be deployed.

A dedicated traffic management plan has been devised to facilitate the convenience of Chhath Vratis and devotees, ensuring a foolproof system for a seamless Chhath Puja celebration. The Superintendent of Police Traffic, Sub-Divisional Officer Patna Sadar, Special Officer Subdivision, City Magistrate, Executive Engineer PHED/Building Construction/BUDCO, City Executive Officer, and other officials were present during this comprehensive inspection.