Patna: Patna is gearing up for Chaiti Chhath, which begins on March 22, with 49 riverbanks across the city prepared to welcome devotees for the ritual offerings, or Arghya. While the Patna Municipal Corporation has stepped up preparations, some ghats remain hazardous, raising safety concerns.
At Digha Ghat, the installation of barricades and watchtowers is in progress, but scattered gravel, bricks, and stones along the riverbank pose a risk of foot injuries to worshippers. Accessing Collectrate Ghat will require a two-kilometre walk, either via a pedestrian path from in front of the Bankipore Club or along the Ganga Path past Anta Ghat and Patna Medical College and Hospital. The ghat, spanning over a kilometre, has been demarcated with yellow and white fabric.
Other ghats, including Darbhanga House Kali Ghat, Patna College Ghat, Kadam Ghat, Krishna Ghat, Rani Ghat, and Gai Ghat, have paved platforms, allowing devotees to offer Arghya without entering the riverbed, as the Ganges currently reaches up to the riverbank at these locations.
The municipal corporation is conducting extensive cleaning, painting, and repair work at all ghats and ponds in the city. Authorities have instructed that all high-mast lighting be fully functional by March 21 and that any exposed electrical wiring be rectified. A three-tier system of barricades and railings is being installed at all ghats, and violations of cleanliness or safety protocols within a one-kilometre radius will be met with immediate action. Jetting machines will be deployed to wash roads and overbridges, and zone-wise officers will monitor the areas daily.
Eight ghats have been declared dangerous and are sealed off to prevent entry. These include LCT Ghat, Rajapur Pul Ghat, Pehalwan Ghat, Bans Ghat, Shiv Ghat, Didarganj Ghat (East), Rikabganj Ghat, and Bundeltoli Ghat, with signage installed to warn devotees.
As the festival approaches, authorities emphasise caution and vigilance to ensure the safety of the thousands expected to participate in Chaiti Chhath celebrations.
