Patna: Authorities in Patna have begun final inspections of more than 75 ghats ahead of the Chhath festival, with officials promising improved amenities, robust security and smooth traffic management for the millions of devotees expected to gather along the Ganga.
On Wednesday morning, Divisional Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar and Inspector General of Police (Central Zone) Jitendra Rana, accompanied by senior district and municipal officials, toured ghats from Nasriganj to Kangan Ghat. Travelling by steamer and road, the team covered around 48km, reviewing preparations at more than 75 sites.
Chhath, one of Bihar’s most significant festivals, sees large crowds congregating at riverbanks and ponds to worship the Sun. “It is a major festival of faith for the people of Bihar,” Parashar said, stressing that arrangements at over 100 ghats across Patna would ensure “basic amenities, safety, and convenience” for worshippers.
Officials said separate toilets for men and women, drinking water facilities, changing rooms, shelters, and expanded parking spaces would be available. Watchtowers, control rooms, CCTV cameras and loudspeakers will be installed, while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will remain on standby.
The Water Resources Department noted that the Ganga’s water level is higher than last year, standing at 48.08 metres at Gandhi Ghat on Tuesday morning. Although levels are gradually receding, the administration has ordered constant monitoring. Hazardous ghats will be cordoned off with barricades and red markings, with warning signage displayed prominently.
Lighting and cleanliness drives are also being stepped up, with the electricity department asked to deploy repair teams to ensure uninterrupted supply at the ghats and approach roads. Encroachment clearance and traffic planning were also reviewed in Patna City and Patna Sadar subdivisions.
The commissioner and police chief emphasised that crowd control and law and order remain the top priority. “All departments must coordinate closely. Our aim is excellent crowd management, robust security and smooth traffic movement,” Rana said.
Senior officials including District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S.M., Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena, and representatives from disaster management, water resources and power departments were present during the inspection.
