By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Patna District Magistrate (DM) Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajiv Mishra and Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, conducted an on-foot inspection of the ghats to oversee preparations for the upcoming Chhath festival. The officials examined key arrangements from Darbhanga House Ghat to Gai Ghat, focusing on water levels in the Ganga, approach roads, cleanliness, and security measures.
During the inspection, the DM expressed displeasure at the sight of mud and silt still accumulated on the steps of several ghats, including Rani Ghat and Ghagha Ghat. He reprimanded officials for the open drain covers and instructed contractors and agency representatives to expedite the removal of mud and silt from the steps.
The DM issued several directives, including covering open drains, filling potholes, pruning overgrown trees, and clearing any encroachments along the ghats. When inspecting the toilets provided for devotees, he found disruptions in water supply at certain locations and ordered immediate restoration of water flow to all taps.
High-mast lights and street lights along the ghats are to remain operational, and the DM announced he would conduct another inspection in the evening to assess the lighting and other arrangements. Dr Singh noted that the water level in the Ganga is expected to be about one metre higher than last year, and preparations are being adjusted accordingly to ensure smooth celebrations. He also praised improvements at several ghats, adding that devotees would have better facilities this year.
For security, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams will be deployed, along with watchtowers and control rooms at all key locations. Senior officials, including the City Superintendent of Police, Patna Sadar SDO, ADM (Law and Order), and engineers from the Water Resources Department, accompanied the DM during the inspection.
