Patna: District Magistrate (DM) Chandrashekhar Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajeev Mishra, accompanied by senior officials, conducted a thorough inspection of all Chhath Ghats along river Ganga in Patna from Gaighat to Didarganj on Monday, assessing the preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja.
The officials commenced their inspection at Gaighat at 7:00 am, covering a distance of about 12 kilometers until Didarganj Ghat. DM Singh and SSP Mishra explored approximately 40 ghats on foot over two and a half hours, reviewing various aspects such as the water level of the Ganga, ghat construction status, approach roads, cleanliness, security measures, crowd and traffic management.
Notable ghats inspected included Karnalganj Ghat, Gaighat, Kantahi Ghat, Bhadra Ghat, Mahavir Ghat, Naujar Ghat, Colony Ghat, Dulli Ghat, Stair Ghat, Adarsh Ghat, Mittan Ghat, Sita Ghat, Khajekalan Ghat, Tedhi Ghat, Maharaj Ghat, Keshav Rai Ghat, and Mirchai Ghat.
Instructions were issued based on the assessments, ensuring comprehensive preparations and arrangements at all points. The District Magistrate observed and evaluated the conditions and arrangements at each ghat, providing necessary instructions.
The DM also engaged in discussions with puja committee members and gathered feedback from the general public during the inspection.
Singh emphasized that the Chhath Puja rituals, starting with Nahay-Khay on November 17, would be celebrated with all preparations completed beforehand. A total of 21 teams of sector officials will be stationed at 108 ghats, overseeing the arrangements continuously.
DM Singh conveyed that the initial round of inspection has been successfully completed. He highlighted the presence of numerous well-prepared ghats along the Ganga river from Nasriganj to Didarganj. “The administration is swiftly advancing in its preparations at approximately 100 ghats, ensuring comprehensive administrative facilities for Chhath Vratis and devotees. In light of the decreasing water level in the Ganga, arrangements are being made to guarantee safety and convenience. Barricading is being executed according to standards, with hazardous ghats enveloped in red cloth. Magistrates and police officials will be stationed at unsuitable and dangerous locations to prevent public access,” the district magistrate said.
Considering the anticipated decrease in the river water level on Chhath Puja day, DM Singh directed the use of sandbags for convenience and safety, addressing potential swamp situations. The inspection also led to instructions for the improvement of the road connecting Ashok Rajpath to Kangan Ghat and the immediate removal of water logging by the Municipal Executive Officer, Patna City Zone.
The District Magistrate stressed the need for smooth, obstruction-free roads leading to Qila Ghat and Adrak Ghat, with Sub-Divisional Officer monitoring the progress in Patna City works.
DM Singh assured the public of a dedicated traffic management plan, ensuring smooth approach roads, completed barricading, mesh installation, good lighting arrangements, and passenger shed facilities at all ghats. CCTV cameras, drones, watch towers, control rooms, and deputations of magistrates and forces, including SDRF and NDRF, will be in place. Medical teams will also be deployed.
The district magistrate also pledged to conduct an evening inspection of Chhath Ghats to review lighting arrangements and other preparations, emphasizing the need for planned and time-bound execution by executive agencies, along with coordination with puja committees.
