Patna: The Bihar Energy Department has appealed to puja committees, organisers, Chhath devotees and the general public to follow electrical safety guidelines during Chhath 2026. The department has emphasised precautions at river ghats and temporary worship structures to prevent electrical accidents during the festival.
Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal said the safety of devotees remains a top priority for the state government during Chhath, which holds deep religious and cultural significance in Bihar.
He urged puja committees and organisers to ensure that all electrical arrangements at ghats and pandals comply with prescribed safety standards, warning against negligence while setting up temporary power connections.
Energy Secretary Inspects NIT Power Substation And Chhath Ghats
Meanwhile, Energy Secretary and Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ajay Yadav reviewed preparations for Chhath 2026 and conducted an on-site inspection of electricity arrangements in Patna.
He inspected the NIT power substation, which supplies electricity to several ghats along the Ganga. During the visit, PESU General Manager Dilip Kumar Singh and other officials briefed him on the 33 kV and 11 kV feeders supplying the areas.
Yadav also reviewed preparations at Law College Ghat, Barharwa Ghat, Golakpur Ghat, Rani Ghat and Gandhi Ghat. He directed officials and field staff to ensure safe and uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the festival.
The Energy Secretary instructed the concerned authorities to inspect electrical wires, temporary connections and equipment installed at the ghats. He stressed that there should be no lapse in arrangements that could put devotees at risk.
Fire-Resistant And Insulated Wires Made Mandatory
The Energy Department has directed organisers to use standard-quality, fire-resistant and insulated wires for temporary electrical connections at ghats and puja pandals.
All electrical equipment and connections must undergo safety checks before use. The department has also advised people to immediately report broken wires, sparking or other electrical faults to the local fuse call centre or the toll-free helpline 1912.
Electrical Safety Guidelines For Puja Committees
The department has issued a set of precautions for organisers and committees to minimise the risk of electrical accidents during Chhath.
- Fire-resistant wires should be laid through insulated pipes. Old, damaged or torn wires must not be used.
- All wire joints should be properly covered with insulating tape.
- BIS-marked wires and cables of suitable capacity should be used according to the electrical load and kept at a safe height.
- Wires and service cables should not cross roads or pedestrian pathways wherever possible.
- Cut-outs should have fuses of the correct rating, while MCBs should be installed in the main, sub-main and circuit connections.
- Generators, switchboards and other electrical equipment should be kept away from unauthorised access. Safety barriers and warning signs should be installed around them.
- Only three-pin plugs, sockets and switch boxes should be used. Direct insertion of loose wires into sockets is prohibited.
- Temporary electrical connections or decorative lighting should not be installed on metal road dividers, barricades or electricity poles. Wires should not be wrapped around iron poles.
Fire Extinguishers And First-Aid Facilities At Electrical Panels
The Energy Department has also advised organisers to keep rubber mats, fire extinguishers, buckets filled with dry sand and first-aid kits near electrical control rooms, panels and switchboards.
The department has appealed to all puja committees and organisers to follow the instructions strictly to ensure a safe environment for Chhath devotees and visitors.
