Patna: The Patna district administration has ordered a temporary ban on the operation of private boats and ferries on the river Ganges during Christmas and New Year celebrations, citing public safety and law-and-order concerns.
According to official orders, all private boat services will remain suspended on December 25 from 6 am until the end of the day. A longer restriction will be enforced for the New Year, with boat operations prohibited from 6 am on December 31 until the evening of January 1, 2026, unless prior permission is granted by the authorities.
The orders were issued by the sub-divisional magistrate of Patna Sadar, Gaurav Kumar, following directives from the district magistrate. Officials noted that large crowds typically gather along the riverbanks during the festive period, with many people crossing the river for picnics and celebrations.
The administration said that in previous years, some operators had run boats without authorisation, often carrying passengers well beyond permitted capacity. Such practices, officials warned, significantly increase the risk of accidents, particularly in crowded conditions.
Citing past boat-related incidents on the Ganges, the authorities said the restrictions were necessary to prevent any untoward incidents and to ensure public safety. The ban has been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which allows preventive action in the interest of public order.
District officials said the measures were precautionary and would remain in force strictly for the specified period during the festive season.
