Patna: Patna is preparing for one of its most-awaited annual celebrations as the district administration finalises arrangements for the Ravana Vadh ceremony and Dussehra festival. District Magistrate (DM) Dr Thiyagarajan S.M. on Tuesday carried out a detailed inspection of Gandhi Maidan and nearby areas, checking every corner from Gate 1 to Gate 13. He reviewed ongoing work and directed officials to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for crowd management, smooth traffic flow, and strong law and order arrangements so that visitors can enjoy the festivities safely.
The DM said that the entire Gandhi Maidan area will be under 24×7 CCTV surveillance, with 128 cameras – including fixed, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ), and analytical cameras – tracking every movement inside and around the venue. Monitoring will be done from the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC). Thirteen watch towers, a temporary control room, and a temporary police station will also be set up. Magistrates, police officers, and Civil Defense personnel will be stationed at all important points, while teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will be deployed at the main gates to handle emergencies.
During his inspection, Dr Thiyagarajan examined all structures inside Gandhi Maidan, including walkways, slabs, watch towers, high-mast lights, and parking lights. He directed the Road Construction Department to maintain footpaths and roads outside the venue, while the Municipal Corporation was instructed to repair broken slabs covering drains. Building Construction engineers have been told to level the ground, fill potholes, cut grass, and trim trees to prevent accidents and ensure smooth movement for the large crowds expected. The DM also ordered that all gates be greased and kept strong so that public entry and exit remain smooth.
Patna is currently hosting the 12-day Ramlila festival at Gandhi Maidan, which will continue until October 3. The Dussehra festival will take place at the Shri Krishna Memorial Hall from September 25 to 28. These events will feature cultural performances, music, dance, and theatre by renowned artists from across India. The DM said that thousands of people, including children, women, and the elderly, will attend these events, so preparations must be flawless.
To ensure smooth proceedings, the DM has ordered that mock drills be conducted in advance, covering crowd control, traffic diversion, medical arrangements, and fire safety. The Civil Surgeon has been asked to prepare a medical contingency plan, while coordination has been sought with hospitals to handle any emergencies. The administration has also improved lighting at Gandhi Maidan with 34 light towers, 15 high-mast lights, 229 pole lights, and pathway lighting to ensure proper visibility throughout the venue. Engineers and technicians will remain deployed on-site to maintain the lighting system.
Traffic management has been given special attention because of metro construction work near Gandhi Maidan. The DM directed officials to coordinate with Patna Metro, the City Magistrate, and the City DSP to avoid congestion. Traffic police will issue a detailed traffic plan and share it through newspapers so that people can use alternate routes. Parking arrangements will also be made in advance.
Security measures will remain in place until the grounds are cleared after the Ravana Vadh ceremony. Women’s forces, intelligence teams, and police with lathis will be deployed to manage the crowds. The district control room will operate round the clock, and citizens have been asked to report any suspicious activity on the helpline numbers 0612-2219810 or 0612-2219234.
Dr Thiyagarajan stressed that lighting, law and order, barricading, loudspeakers, medical facilities, fire safety, and drinking water must all meet standards. He said the administration is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for the public, and all officials must stay on duty until the venue is completely cleared.
