Chhath security arrangements in Buxar have been significantly expanded, with the district administration deploying 334 static magistrates, 59 patrolling teams and 48 quick response teams across the district to manage crowds and protect devotees at river ghats.
District magistrate Sahila and superintendent of police Shubham Arya reviewed the preparations at a meeting at Nagar Bhawan on Thursday. Officials were directed to maintain law and order, ensure safe access to ghats and provide essential services during the festival.
The administration has ordered barricading at all ghats, with vulnerable locations identified and marked with red tape. CCTV cameras, watchtowers, drones and videographers will be used for surveillance. Anti-sabotage checks and metal-detector screening will also be conducted at major ghats.
Police stations have been asked to carry out regular checks at hotels, lodges, railway stations and bus stands, and take preventive action against anti-social elements. Security personnel will be positioned on high-rise buildings and towers near major ghats to monitor large gatherings and movement in surrounding areas.
The deployment plan includes 37 teams on ghat approach roads, 12 zonal magistrates, 32 reserve magistrates and 18 control room personnel, in addition to the 334 static magistrates. The district administration will operate a round-the-clock control room at the District Disaster Management Branch in the Collectorate.
Officials have also been instructed to ensure cleanliness, drinking water, lighting, temporary changing rooms and safe approach roads at the ghats. Boats, trained divers, medical teams, medicines and emergency services will remain on standby, while fire tenders will be kept ready for emergencies.
Private boat operations and the bursting of firecrackers at ghats and on approach roads have been prohibited during the festival. Traffic regulations, designated parking zones and motorcycle patrolling will be arranged near major ghats in Buxar and Dumraon to manage vehicle movement and reduce congestion.
The administration will monitor social media to curb rumours and take action against those spreading misinformation. Devotees have been asked to perform rituals only at designated safe ghats and follow official safety guidelines during the festival.
