Patna: On Thursday evening, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary inspected the Chhath ghats along the Ganges River to review preparations for Chhath, the grand festival of public faith.
Traveling by steamer, he inspected various ghats along the Ganges, including Nasriganj Ghat, Collectorate Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Pehalwan Ghat, Gulabi Ghat, Chaudhary Tola Ghat, Pathri Ghat, and the stretch from Gai Ghat to Bhadra Ghat, concluding at Mahavir Ghat.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister issued necessary directives to officials regarding the cleanliness, security, and hygiene of the Chhath ghats. He instructed them to ensure that all preparations at the Ganges ghats are completed in view of the Chhath festival, emphasizing that arrangements must be made to ensure that those observing the fast (vratis) face no difficulties while offering ‘arghya’ (oblations).
Officials informed the Chief Minister that there are a total of 103 ghats along the Ganges in Patna; of these, 91 are considered safe, 5 are classified as dangerous, and work is currently underway at 7 ghats. Comprehensive preparations are being made at these locations for the devotees and those observing the Chhath fast.
As part of the civic amenities being provided, 552 temporary toilets, 450 temporary urinals, 400 temporary changing rooms, 13 passenger sheds, and 171 watchtowers have been set up. To oversee, supervise, and monitor the necessary arrangements and security measures—implemented by the Patna Municipal Corporation, the Danapur Municipal Council, and other departments or executing agencies—the area has been divided into 21 sectors, with officials and other personnel deployed accordingly.
The Patna Municipal Corporation is preparing 92 ghats and 103 ponds (comprising 37 artificial and 66 permanent ones) for the Chhath festival. During the inspection, Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Minister of Cooperation Ramkripal Yadav, MLAs Ratnesh Kumar and Sanjay Kumar, Patna Mayor Sita Sahu, and other officials and dignitaries were present.
