Amid the Chhath Puja celebrations across the country, chaos erupted near Katihar's Rampur Gwaltoli Chhath Ghat after the firecrackers bursting around fuel fire near the area. According to the information released, the incident occurred while the people were reportedly present near the ghat for the Chhath Puja celebrations, thus creating panic among the devotees.
Significantly, the authorities said, a major accident was averted after the locals brought the fire under control with the help of the fire brigade. More details about the case are awaited.
Extensive arrangements and security in place
Meanwhile, the incident comes amid the Bihar government's elaborate arrangements for the puja. Medical camps and security personnel including teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and NDRF have been deployed to ensure the safety of the devotees. Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh confirmed that advisories have been issued to guide the public, and additional facilities have been installed in major lakes and parks in the city.
Speaking to PTI on Thursday, Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh said, "All ghats are ready for Chhath Puja festival. Arrangements have been made at all ghats, including Banshi Ghat, Krishna Ghat, Kali Ghat, Kadam Ghat and Patna College Ghat."
"We have issued advisories for the Chhath Puja, which visitors and devotees must follow. Officials have also been directed to ensure devotees face no inconvenience," he added.
"A large number of additional security forces have been deployed in the state capital to manage crowds and avoid any untoward incidents. Besides, personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and NDRF have also been deployed at various ghats in the city," another senior official of the Patna district administration said.
