Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Monday evening inspected Subarnarekha river ghats in view of the Chhath festival scheduled for Tuesday. Along with deputy commissioner Amitabh Kaushal, SDO Alok Kumar and officials of Jusco, Das went to various sites and reviewed the preparations. Das asked the administration to ensure proper arrangements so that there is no letdown on safety arrangements.
There are nearly 18 major ghats in and around the city, which witness huge turnout of devotees during the evening offerings (November 17) and morning offerings (November18).
A three-tier security arrangement has been made for Jamshedpur under which all the ghats would be under surveillance to monitor any dangerous or criminal activity. Besides, the deployment of 1,000 cops, metal detectors will also be used at the 'sensitive' ghats to keep the criminals at bay, said an official.
Plain-clothed policemen at the ghats and security officials on boats would be monitoring the situation from the river as experts divers would be nearby in case of any drowning incident. In the light of devotees traditionally offering prayers to the Sun god dipping into the river the administration has resolved to identify safe places (Chhat ghats) for offering prayers at the two rivers. Besides, the administration has decided to depute divers and life jackets in adequate strength at Chhat ghats.
Das also took stock of preparations for culture soiree to be organised at Sidhgora Surya Mandir where popular playback singer Sadhna Sargam will made the evening of Chhath more colourful for the devotees with her ensemble of religious songs to rev up the Chhath spirit.
Das who is also patron of Surya Mandir committee, said that this evening is being organised from several years to mark Chhath celebrations.
According to Das, the purpose of the programme was to promote peace and harmony. “People of all faiths have been invited for the grand show,” said Das, adding that preparations are in full swing. He added that people from all walks of life, and other dignitaries would be a part of the audience.
Sadhna Sinha, Devi, Anuradha Pondwal, Malini Awasthi and Tripti Sakya the great artists have performed at art Chhath puja. Almost five thousand devotees will worship the sun god and 20 thousand people will visit the mandir the occasion. The temple committee will ensure free milk and twigs.