In light of the upcoming Durga Puja festivities, an extensive inspection of key river ghats used for idol immersion was carried out by the Deputy Commissioner  Ananya Mittal, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)  Kishore Kaushal. They were accompanied by City Superintendent of Police  Rishabh Garg, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dhalbhum Shatabdi Majumdar, along with officials from the municipal bodies, BDO Jamshedpur, Jusco representatives, and members of the local Durga Puja Committees. This inspection was aimed at ensuring the safety and preparedness of these vital locations during one of the city’s most significant festivals.

During the inspection, the officials visited several prominent ghats, including Swarn Rekha Ghat, Pandey Ghat, Naya Pul Ghat, Do Muhani Ghat, Sub Station Ghat, Sati Ghat, and Beli Bodhanwala Ghat.

One of the key concerns highlighted during the inspection was the condition of the access roads leading to the ghats. Several access points were found to be in need of urgent repairs to facilitate smooth movement for both devotees and immersion vehicles. The District Magistrate instructed the municipal body and Tata Steel UISL officials present to ensure that all necessary repairs are completed promptly.

 Mittal also issued strict guidelines for barricading the ghats to manage crowd control effectively. “Proper barricading will ensure that devotees do not enter unsafe areas, particularly near the water’s edge. This is critical to avoid accidents during the immersion process,” he stated. The SSP,  Kaushal, stressed the need for vigilant security and effective crowd management, with particular attention to be given to peak times during the immersion.

Ensuring cleanliness at the immersion ghats was another major focus during the inspection. The District Magistrate directed the municipal bodies and Jusco to carry out timely cleaning of the ghats before and after the immersion ceremonies. He pointed out that the cleanliness of the ghats is not only important for maintaining hygiene but also for ensuring a pleasant experience for devotees who come to participate in the immersion rituals.

 Mittal also highlighted the need for adequate electrification at all immersion sites, especially in the evenings when the majority of the immersions take place. He stated that sufficient lighting will be essential for both safety and convenience. "Proper lighting is crucial to prevent accidents and maintain a sense of order during the immersion process," he said, adding that officials should make sure all electrical arrangements are completed well in advance of the festival.

Kaushal, the SSP, assured that sufficient police personnel would be deployed at each immersion site to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents. “A robust security plan will be in place, with officers stationed at strategic points to monitor the crowd and ensure that no one violates the safety protocols,” he mentioned.

He also informed that drone cameras and videography would be used to monitor the proceedings from above, providing real-time visuals of the crowd and traffic movements. The use of such technology will help in crowd control and ensure a quick response to any emergency situation.

The District Magistrate called for close cooperation between the district administration, police, and the local Durga Puja Committees. He requested that all committees adhere strictly to the scheduled time for immersions to ensure that there is no disruption in maintaining law and order. “Punctuality in the immersion schedule will allow the administration to manage the large crowds more effectively, ensuring that the festival is celebrated smoothly,”  Mittal added.