Stair Ghat and Jahaj Ghat to Be Leased for the Fair Period; Administration Intensifies Preparations for Devotees' Safety and Convenience

   Stair Ghat and Jahaj Ghat to Be Leased for the Fair Period; Administration Intensifies Preparations for Devotees' Safety and Convenience

Bhagalpur: The district administration has stepped up preparations for the world-famous Shravani Fair to ensure smooth management of the annual religious event. Keeping in view the safety, convenience, and orderly movement of lakhs of pilgrims and Kanwariyas arriving from across the country, the administration has initiated the process of leasing Stair Ghat (Seedhi Ghat) and Jahaj Ghat exclusively for the duration of the fair. The objective is to ensure proper management of Ganga bathing, holy water collection, and the continuous flow of devotees without any disruption.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims gather at the Ganga ghats in Bhagalpur during the Shravani Fair. From these ghats, Kanwariyas collect holy Ganga water before beginning their pilgrimage to the famous Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar via Sultanganj. Considering the massive influx of devotees, the district administration has prepared a comprehensive plan covering sanitation, security, lighting, drinking water, barricading, crowd management, and disaster response. As part of these arrangements, the temporary leasing of Stair Ghat and Jahaj Ghat for the fair period will ensure that all facilities are managed efficiently through an authorized agency.

Enhanced Facilities at the Ghats

According to administrative officials, the agency awarded the lease will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness, managing waste disposal, monitoring bathing areas, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and providing essential public amenities throughout the fair. Special measures will be taken to prevent slippery conditions on the ghats, while damaged staircases, railings, and other infrastructure will be repaired before the commencement of the event.

To provide maximum convenience to devotees, adequate numbers of toilets, drinking water stations, temporary rest shelters, and medical aid centers will be established at the ghats. Separate bathing areas and changing rooms are also likely to be arranged for women devotees.

Tight Security Arrangements

Security will remain one of the administration's top priorities during the Shravani Fair. Police personnel, Home Guards, women police officers, and disaster management teams will be deployed across the ghats. Water police will continuously patrol the Ganga using boats to respond swiftly to any emergency situation.

Additionally, CCTV cameras will be installed at strategic locations, with live monitoring from a centralized control room. Drone surveillance will also be used to monitor crowd movement and identify any suspicious activity. Special police teams will remain on alert throughout the fair.

Divers and Medical Teams on Standby

To prevent accidents during Ganga bathing, trained divers will be stationed at the ghats. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local rescue units will remain prepared for emergency rescue operations whenever required.

Ambulances, first-aid centers, and medical personnel will also be available to provide immediate treatment to devotees in case of illness or any medical emergency.

Special Focus on Cleanliness

The Municipal Corporation and concerned departments have been instructed to ensure regular cleaning of the ghats and surrounding areas. Daily garbage collection, sanitation drives, and cleanliness campaigns will be carried out throughout the fair period.

Devotees will also be encouraged not to throw plastic waste, clothes, or other materials into the Ganga and to cooperate in maintaining the cleanliness of the river and its surroundings.

Traffic Management Plan

A special traffic management plan will be implemented to handle the increased movement of vehicles during the Shravani Fair. Barricades, designated parking areas, and traffic diversions will be arranged on roads leading to the ghats. Restrictions may be imposed on the entry of heavy vehicles if required.

Separate walking routes will also be designated for Kanwariyas to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement while minimizing the risk of accidents.

Regulation of Temporary Shops

Temporary stalls selling religious items, food, and other essentials near the ghats will be allowed only at designated locations. Shopkeepers will be required to maintain cleanliness and adhere to government-approved pricing norms. Food Safety Department officials will conduct regular inspections to ensure that devotees receive hygienic and safe food.

Adequate Lighting and Power Supply

To facilitate safe movement during nighttime, high-mast lights, LED lighting, and additional electrical infrastructure will be installed at the ghats and along connecting roads. The Electricity Department has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply throughout the fair. Special maintenance teams will remain on standby to address any technical faults immediately.

Administration Appeals for Public Cooperation

The district administration has appealed to all devotees to follow official guidelines, remain cautious in crowded areas, take special care of children and elderly family members, and immediately report any emergency to the police or the control room. Pilgrims have also been advised to avoid entering deep water and strictly follow all safety instructions while taking a holy dip in the Ganga.

Balancing Faith with Efficient Management

The Shravani Fair is regarded as one of India's largest and most significant religious gatherings. The district administration aims to ensure that devotees can perform their rituals in a safe, organized, and convenient environment. The decision to lease Stair Ghat and Jahaj Ghat exclusively for the fair period is considered an important step toward improving maintenance, security, and public services.

Officials are confident that, with comprehensive preparations and coordinated efforts among various departments, lakhs of devotees will be able to safely collect holy Ganga water and complete their spiritual journey without inconvenience. Meetings among administrative departments are continuing, and all concerned agencies have been directed to complete preparations well before the commencement of the fair.