Patna: Patna district magistrate (DM) Chandrashekhar Singh on Saturday asked the officials concerned to prioritise safety and cleanliness at Chhath ghats during the festival. “Sufficient arrangement of control rooms, watchtowers, changing rooms, and sheds for visitors should be ensured at the ghats,” he said, adding that facilities like toilets, urinals and hand pumps must be prepared for the devotees. Singh asked executive engineers from the building construction and public health engineering departments to complete these facilities within an appropriate time frame.
He added, “Eight NDRF and 14 SDRF teams will also be stationed at the ghats. There will be 333 divers, 306 boats and 168 civil defense volunteers on-site for public safety and river patrolling will also be conducted.” Singh also told the officials to ensure proper lighting at the ghats and barricading at parking areas for the convenience of visitors. The DM formed a three-member committee, led by the deputy development commissioner, to oversee Chhath preparations and ensure timely completion of arrangements at the ghats and approach roads,” the DM said.