Aditya Raj
Patna: In a comprehensive on-site inspection, Divisional Commissioner Kumar Ravi, along with several senior officials, meticulously surveyed the Chhath Puja preparations at various ghats along the bank of river Ganga at Patna on the second consecutive day on Tuesday.
The inspection, commencing at 7:00 am from Digha Patipul Ghat, involved an extensive tour spanning over 15 ghats, covering a distance of approximately 11 kilometers up to Collectorate Ghat.
Commissioner Ravi, accompanied by DM Chandrashekhar Singh, SSP Rajiv Mishra, and Patna Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, examined the current status and arrangements at each ghat, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the district administration and Municipal Corporation in their preparations.
During the inspection, it was highlighted that the water levels in the Ganga river this year are notably lower compared to the previous year, registering 44.86 meters at Digha Ghat and 44.17 meters at Gandhi Ghat. Anticipating a further decrease in levels by the time of the Chhath festival, preparations are being diligently adjusted by the authorities.
Various measures were outlined by Commissioner Ravi to ensure safety, including the installation of protective barricades, proper signage, and the deployment of disaster management teams. Moreover, officials were instructed to name the ghats clearly, number watch towers, and maintain constant vigilance on the water levels.
Commissioner Ravi emphasized the significance of JP Ganga Path in Chhath Puja, underscoring the need for effective traffic management and crowd control. Specific measures will be implemented to streamline traffic flow from Ashok Rajpath to the ghats through the JP Ganga Path underpass.
The authorities assured the provision of adequate facilities for devotees, including separate toilets, drinking water, changing rooms, and parking, all meticulously monitored by a control room. The deployment of watch towers, loudspeakers, CCTV cameras, and maintenance of electrical infrastructure were highlighted as part of the extensive arrangements.
The inspection witnessed the presence of various key officials, including Deputy Development Commissioner Tanay Sultania, Superintendent of City Police (Central) Vaibhav Sharma, and additional municipal and disaster management authorities.
