Bihar government bans firecrackers near ghats and private boats for Chhath Puja
The Bihar Disaster Management Department has ordered strict safety measures and the deployment of divers and medical teams for the four-day festival.
The Bihar Disaster Management Department has directed all districts to enforce strict safety measures during Chhath Puja from November 13 to November 16, according to the Hindustan Times.
The directives include a ban on firecrackers near ghats and a ban on private boat operations during the festival period.
District magistrates have been asked to identify and barricade dangerous ghats, deploy security personnel, and station trained divers, swimmers, motorboats, and life-saving equipment at river ghats.
The department also stated that medical teams, ambulances, and Quick Medical Response Teams (QMRTs) must remain on standby, while all electrical installations must be inspected to prevent electrocution.
To prevent stampedes, district magistrates must prepare disaster management plans, hold coordination meetings with Chhath committees, and ensure continuous public announcements through loudspeakers.
The four-day festival begins on November 13 with the 'Nahai Khai' ritual and concludes on November 16.