DM Reviews Preparations for Chhath Mahaparva in Patna, 109 Ghats to be Inspected

Chirag Gupta

Patna: The District Magistrate of Patna, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, reviewed the preparations for Chhath Mahaparva, 2024, with all SDOs, SDPOs, and sector officers in a detailed meeting held at the Collectorate. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order during the festival and stressed the need for excellent crowd management, strong security, and smooth traffic flow. He congratulated the officials for successfully organizing Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Ravana Vadh and urged them to work with team spirit for Chhath Mahaparva.

The DM highlighted that Chhath is a major festival, and a large number of people, including residents of Bihar living outside the state, return to participate. The administration is committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of devotees. Dr. Singh directed all sector officers and police officials to inspect the 109 ghats and their approach roads on foot, ensuring that all facilities, such as clean drinking water, passenger sheds, lighting, toilets, and changing rooms, are in place. PESU junior engineers will certify the safety of temporary electrical connections.

During the meeting, a thorough review of the preparations was conducted, covering aspects such as ghat cleanliness, traffic arrangements, installation of control rooms and watchtowers, disaster management, medical facilities, electricity, and security measures. Dr. Singh took stock of the progress from 21 teams of officers assigned to ensure the safety of ghats and identify any hazardous areas.

A special three-member Chhath festival cell, led by the Deputy Development Commissioner, has been formed to coordinate with all relevant departments for the festival’s smooth execution. Barricading of ghats, proper vehicle parking, and setting up of watchtowers and control rooms are part of the administration’s plan to ensure safety and convenience for all attendees.

Patna Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar confirmed that permanent CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations by Patna Smart City Ltd., and temporary cameras are being placed at ghats and the riverfront. Lighting arrangements, signage, and sound amplifiers will also be installed. The Civil Surgeon has ensured the availability of ambulances, paramedics, and doctors, while SDRF and NDRF teams will be deployed by the Disaster Management Cell.

All construction agencies have been directed to ensure that roads are motorable three days before the festival, and traffic management plans will be communicated to the public via newspapers. The DM emphasized the importance of communication and coordination among all officials for the successful organization of Chhath Mahaparva. Key officials from the Municipal Corporation, Police, Water Resources, Disaster Management, and other departments attended the meeting to finalize the preparations.