Patna: The state govt is preparing two German-hangar pandals in Nalanda for Chhath devotees. The pandals will have a capacity of 5,000 people each, along with four bamboo pandals for Chhath devotees across the state. The planned facilities also include 16 mobile toilets, 45 permanent toilets and 10 changing rooms. Arrangements for safe drinking water, adequate lighting across the surrounding area and parking facilities are also being made, said rural development department minister Shrawan Kumar on Monday.The minister made the assurance during a visit to the historic Baragaon Dham in Nalanda on Monday, where he reviewed preparations along with Nalanda MP Kaushalendra Kumar.He directed officials to complete arrangements for sanitation, security and traffic management before the festival.Describing Chhath as the soul of Bihar, Kumar said, “The festival is deeply rooted in the state’s faith and traditions. Devotees observe four days of rituals, including a 36-hour fast without water, and offer prayers to the Sun God for the well-being and prosperity of their families.”The minister instructed officials to launch a special cleanliness drive at the pond and adjoining ghats and ensure that no waste accumulates at the site. He also called on local residents to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness.The arrangements at Baragaon are part of wider preparations being undertaken by district administrations across Bihar.Officials have been directed to ensure clean and accessible ghats, drinking water, lighting, toilets, changing facilities, barricading and smooth traffic movement. Security measures, including crowd management and emergency response arrangements, are also being reviewed at ghats.“In Patna, preparations are underway at 103 Ganga ghats, of which 91 have been declared safe, five dangerous and work is continuing at seven others. The facilities planned for devotees include 552 temporary toilets, 450 urinals, 400 changing rooms, 13 waiting sheds and 171 watchtowers. The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) is also preparing 92 ghats and 103 ponds, including 37 artificial and 66 permanent ponds,” the minister said.Kumar further directed officials at Baragaon to ensure regular public announcements through loudspeakers so that devotees receive information about facilities and safety measures. He also stressed disaster preparedness and instructed the administration to deploy an NDRF team, if required.Nalanda MP Kaushalendra Kumar said Chhath was one of the most significant festivals and that govt was alert to providing all possible facilities to devotees.
