Chhath preparations at 79 ghats in final stages

PATNA: With Chhath only a couple of days away, the district administration and other departments have swung into action to complete the preparations for the four-day festival by Saturday evening.

The main focus of the administration is to complete the barricading work for the safety of devotees and spread fish nets to prevent garbage from accumulating at the ghats. Arrangements are being made at 79 ghats for the ‘vratis’ who will offer ‘Arghya’ (obeisance) to the Sun God by standing in the river in knee-deep water on November 13 and 14. The barricading work along with provision of lights and other basic amenities are in the final stages at Patna College Ghat, Krishna Ghat, Kadam Ghat and Gandhi Ghat.

According to Rajesh Kumar, in-charge of the preparations at Krishna Ghat, “There will be six changing rooms, two urinal points each for men and women and control rooms at the ghats. Workers will spread the fish net once the dredging work is over.”

Patna district magistrate (DM) Kumar Ravi said dredging work near Kali Ghat was going on and garbage was targeted to be removed from there by November 10. Insufficient flow of water, heavy and uncontrolled discharge of sewage and dumping of garbage have made the water highly polluted.

The DM claimed, “Sand bags are being placed at the ghats to cover mud and dirt and bamboo sticks fixed at different points. I am glad that most important ghats, including Collectorate Ghat, 93 Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Rajapur Pul Ghat, Ganga Ghat, Bans Ghat and Patipul Ghat are ready two days ahead of the festival.”

The district administration has declared 22 ghats between Patna Sadar and Patna City “dangerous”. They include Shiv Ghat, Minar Ghat, Kurji Ghat, LTC Ghat, T N Banerjee Ghat, Mishri Ghat, Judges Ghat, Adalatganj Ghat, Vanshi Ghat, Sipahi Ghat, B N College Ghat, Bankipore Club Ghat, Jahaz Ghat, Anta Ghat, Khazekala Ghat, Mirchai Ghat, Garariya Ghat, Nurrudinganj Ghat, Keshav Rai Ghat, Adrak Ghat and Nandgola Ghat.

“Due to fluctuations in the flow of river, these ghats are unfit for performing puja. We have placed red clothes at these ghats and uploaded details related to them to the Chhath Puja App developed by the administration,” said Ravi.

Chandradev Mahto, an official at the Patna College Ghat, told this reporter, “Broken ladders have been repaired and temporary stairs made for smooth movement of devotees at the ghats. CCTV cameras and lights have also been put up.”

Narayan Rajak, in-charge of preparations at Kali Ghat, said the approach road to the ghat was repaired, potholes were covered and lighting arrangements made. Water ATMs, tanks, medical facilities, parking space, trash bins and other amenities have also been arranged at different ghats by the district administration.