Jamshedpur DC and SSP inspect Chhath Ghats ahead of festivities, danger zones to be marked, approach roads to be repaired 

Jamshedpur: In view of the upcoming Chhath Puja festivities, the Deputy Commissioner,  Manjunath Bhajantri, and Senior Superintendent of Police,  Kishore Kaushal, led an extensive inspection of various Chhath Ghats in the urban area. This comprehensive review aimed to assess and enhance administrative preparations for the grand festival.

Accompanied by Deputy Development Commissioner  Manish Kumar, SDM Dhalbhum  Piyush Sinha, Additional Deputy Commissioner  Jaideep Tigga, ADM Law and Order  Rajeev Ranjan, DCLR  Ravindra Gagrai, Deputy Municipal Commissioner JNAC, representatives of JUSCO, and other officials, the senior officials visited prominent Chhath Ghats, including Swarnarekha Ghat, Mango Bridge, Do Muhani Ghat, Kadma Sub Station Ghat, Bailey Bodhanwala Ghat Bistupur, Baroda Ghat Bagbera, and Surya Mandir Ghat Sidhgora.

During the inspection, discussions centered on vital aspects such as cleanliness, changing rooms, danger zone marking, electrification, repair of approach roads, parking, traffic arrangements, and the maintenance of security and law and order. District Magistrate  Bhajantri emphasized the importance of ensuring a seamless experience for devotees at Chhath Ghats, directing officials to prioritize timely cleaning, provision of changing rooms, danger zone marking, and barricading.

He further instructed the tagging of sailors and divers at all Chhath Ghats and called for the installation of drop gates at crowded locations. Stressing on the timely repair of access roads leading to Chhath Ghats,  Bhajantri urged coordination among various departments, including municipal bodies, police, traffic, electricity, and disaster management.

 Bhajantri also highlighted the need for proper lighting arrangements, ensuring smooth traffic, and efficient parking facilities at the ghats. The Senior Superintendent of Police,  Kaushal, underscored the paramount importance of tight security arrangements. To accommodate the influx of devotees, security measures will include prohibiting the entry of heavy vehicles during key rituals and diverting traffic routes for smooth flow. Policemen, both in uniform and plain clothes, will be strategically deployed to maintain a secure environment for all devotees. As the city gears up for Chhath Puja, these proactive measures aim to create a safe and enjoyable environment for the devotees partaking in this auspicious celebration.

In the light of devotees traditionally offering prayers to the Sun god dipping into the river, the administration has resolved to identify safe places (Chhat ghats) for offering prayers at the two rivers. Besides, the administration has decided to depute divers and life jackets in adequate strength at Chhath ghats.

 “We are working hard to ensure safety for the devotees. We are taking precautionary measures to ensure safety at the Chhat ghats. Moreover we have also approached corporate officials to help in ensuring safety,” said an official.

 Meanwhile officials of Chhath Ghat Committee said that there is an urgent need to properly clean the river banks, and various water bodies on the occasion of the festival of Chhath Puja, which is celebrated with gaiety and fervour by people of the city. They said that people take bath in water tanks and rivers and therefore it is essential that the cleaning work of these water bodies is completed on time.