Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation has stepped up preparations for Chhath Puja, with Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena inspecting several Ganga ghats on November 12 to review arrangements for devotees.
During the inspection, Meena expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of work at three ghats and directed officials to issue show-cause notices to the assistant engineer concerned.
The inspection also identified problems with approach roads and parking facilities in the Pataliputra zone, prompting instructions for immediate corrective measures.
Approach Roads And Parking Facilities Under Review
Officials found that access routes to three ghats in the Pataliputra zone were muddy and waterlogged. Parking arrangements were also considered inadequate.
Meena directed the concerned officials to level the approach roads and place sandbags at vulnerable locations to ensure devotees can reach the ghats without difficulty.
He stressed that all necessary arrangements must be completed within the stipulated time.
Night-Glow Signboards And Safety Measures
The municipal commissioner instructed officials to install fluorescent and night-glow signboards at major ghats to improve visibility after dark.
He also directed the installation of directional boards and other necessary signage across all ghats by the night of November 12.
Hazardous areas must be cordoned off with red cloth, while changing rooms and other essential facilities for devotees must be made available.
Meena warned that negligence affecting the safety and convenience of Chhath devotees would not be tolerated.
Trash Skimmers Deployed To Clean Ganga
The Patna Municipal Corporation is using trash skimmers to remove floating waste from the Ganga as part of its ongoing river-cleaning operations.
According to the civic body, the number of devotees visiting the ghats for ritual bathing during the month of Kartik has increased, along with floating waste partly generated by the immersion of religious offerings.
The Corporation has deployed machinery, sanitation workers and additional personnel to maintain cleanliness at the riverfront and surrounding areas.
Corporation Reviews Arrangements Across Ghats
The municipal commissioner directed all concerned officials to complete the remaining preparations promptly and ensure that the ghats are clean, accessible and safe before the festival.
The civic body is also focusing on essential facilities, approach routes, parking, lighting and safety arrangements to manage the expected gathering of devotees during Chhath Puja.
