Divisional Commissioner Inspects Chhath Ghats, Reviews Preparations in Patna
Chirag Gupta
Patna: Patna Divisional Commissioner, Mayank Warvade on Thursday, inspected various Chhath Ghats from Nasriganj to Gayghat along with District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra to assess preparations for Chhath Puja. The inspection covered over 70 ghats by both water and land, spanning approximately 46 kilometers. Officials reviewed the geographical conditions, changes in water levels, and ongoing preparations at the ghats.
The inspection began with a review via the RO Pax Vessel MV Swami Paramhans from Nasriganj Ghat, covering numerous ghats along the riverbank. The Commissioner also inspected routes within Patna City and the Patna Sadar subdivision, assessing efforts to ensure convenience for Chhath Vratis and devotees. Senior officials from the district administration and the Municipal Corporation briefed the Commissioner on their 24×7 preparations.
Superintending Engineer from the Water Resources Department highlighted that the Ganga river’s water level is expected to decrease by around one meter by Chhath, with an estimated level of 44 meters at Gandhi Ghat during Sandhya Arghya on November 7. The Commissioner emphasized continuous monitoring of the water level and urged officials to prioritize safety, with proper barricading and signage at the ghats.
The Commissioner directed that all basic facilities, including separate toilets, clean drinking water, changing rooms, and vehicle parking, be provided for devotees. Instructions were also given to ensure adequate crowd management, security arrangements, and the installation of CCTV cameras and watch towers. The Municipal Corporation is responsible for maintaining lighting and street lights along the routes.
The Commissioner reiterated the importance of law and order during the festival, urging all officers to remain vigilant. Deputy Development Commissioner Sameer Saurabh, Sub-Divisional Officers Gaurav Kumar and Divya Shakti, and other senior officials were present during the inspection.