Divisional Commissioner Oversees Arrangements at Chhath Ghats in Patna

Patna: As the evening Arghya of Chhath Mahaparv unfolds, Patna Divisional Commissioner, Kumar Ravi, undertook a comprehensive inspection of the Chhath Ghats to ensure meticulous preparations and effective management. Covering the stretch from Digha Patipul to Gaighat, the Divisional Commissioner assessed the arrangements on foot, examining the control rooms, parking facilities, cleanliness measures, barricading, signage, passenger sheds, and other structures.

The divisional commissioner personally attended to crowd management and traffic arrangements, underscoring the significance of a smooth and secure experience for devotees.

Expressing satisfaction, Divisional Commissioner Ravi affirmed the presence of excellent administrative setups across all the ghats, catering to the needs of Chhath Vratis and devotees. Magistrates and police officers received explicit instructions to maintain vigilance for crowd management, law and order, and traffic control. The emphasis was on discharging responsibilities with politeness yet firmness, ensuring courtesy towards Chhath devotees.

The divisional commissioner highlighted the availability of comprehensive facilities at the ghats, with nearly 100 ghats actively managed by 21 sector officers. Control rooms were operational at all ghats, overseeing arrangements such as lighting, clean drinking water, gender-specific toilets, changing rooms, and accommodations for devotees. Standard barricading, watchtowers, and marked hazardous areas were part of the meticulous planning. Magistrates and police officials were strategically positioned to deter visitors from unsuitable and dangerous ghats. Ample parking space, designed for proximity to the ghats, formed part of a well-structured plan, complemented by dedicated traffic management. The approach paths were illuminated, smooth, and obstruction-free, with continuous announcements through loudspeakers.

In the spirit of promoting safety, regular explanations of “dos and don’ts” were communicated to the attendees. The deployment of SDRF and NDRF teams in the river and ghats, along with CCTV monitoring of routes, ghats, and riverfront, aimed to mitigate inconveniences for Chhathavratis and devotees. Notably, drone surveillance was introduced to monitor activities on prominent ghats.

Commissioner Kumar Ravi issued a directive to all concerned officials, urging heightened vigilance and active participation in their respective areas during the Chhath festival, ensuring a seamless and secure celebration for all participants.