Patna: The Bihar government has directed all district magistrates to complete safety and disaster-preparedness arrangements ahead of Chhath Puja, which will be celebrated across the state from November 13 to 16, 2026.
The directions have been issued by the Disaster Management Department following instructions from Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The measures are aimed at preventing accidents, particularly drowning incidents, stampedes and other emergencies, as large numbers of devotees and their family members are expected to gather at riverbanks, ponds and designated Chhath ghats.
The department has asked district administrations to implement its existing guidelines on preventing drowning-related deaths during festivals and complete all necessary arrangements well in advance.
Dangerous Ghats to Be Identified and Barricaded
District administrations have been instructed to identify dangerous riverbanks and ponds and publicise information about these locations so that devotees can avoid entering deep or unsafe waters.
The key measures include:
- Installing strong barricades at dangerous ghats and water bodies.
- Publicising warnings about unsafe locations.
- Deploying adequate security personnel and volunteers at all ghats.
- Ensuring that devotees do not enter dangerous stretches of water.
Medical Teams, Ambulances and Quick Response Units
Medical facilities will have to be arranged at all major Chhath ghats. The department has directed districts to deploy doctors and paramedical personnel and arrange ambulances according to local requirements.
Quick Medical Response Teams (QMRTs) must also be stationed to provide immediate assistance during emergencies.
Divers, Swimmers and Motorboats to Be Deployed
To respond to drowning incidents and other water-related emergencies, trained divers, swimmers and motorboat operators will be deployed at river ghats.
The department has instructed district administrations to provide them with:
- Life jackets.
- Inflatable motorboats.
- Traditional boats, wherever available.
- Special identification jackets for divers to make them easily recognisable during rescue operations.
Lighting and Electrical Safety at Ghats
Adequate lighting must be arranged at Chhath ghats and along the approach routes leading to them. Districts that have received Inflatable Emergency Lighting Systems (IELS) have been asked to use them wherever required.
All lighting arrangements and electrical equipment must be inspected in advance to prevent accidents caused by electric shocks or faulty connections.
District Control Rooms to Remain Operational
District administrations must ensure uninterrupted functioning of their control rooms throughout the festival.
The instructions include:
- Keeping important telephone numbers readily available at control rooms.
- Immediately reporting any untoward incident to the district control room and the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Patna.
- Broadcasting recorded safety advisories continuously through loudspeakers.
Firecracker Sales and Use to Be Regulated Near Water Bodies
The department has called for administrative restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers near river ghats, ponds and other water bodies where Chhath Puja is permitted.
These restrictions will apply from November 13 to 16. According to the department, firecracker sounds near crowded water bodies could trigger panic and stampedes among devotees, potentially resulting in serious accidents.
District administrations have been asked to maintain continuous surveillance to ensure compliance.
Private Boat Operations to Be Restricted
The department has also directed districts to take steps to prohibit the operation of private boats during the Chhath festival, from Nahay-Khay until the morning Arghya.
Magistrates, police personnel and chowkidars must be deployed at the ghats to monitor compliance with the restriction.
Districts Asked to Prepare Disaster Management and Communication Plans
All districts have been instructed to hold preparatory meetings and formulate detailed action plans and communication arrangements for disaster management during the festival.
District administrations must also coordinate with local Chhath committees, hold meetings with their representatives and provide them with necessary training to improve emergency preparedness.
Bihar Issues Emergency Helpline Numbers
For emergency assistance during Chhath Puja, the Disaster Management Department has asked people and local committees to contact the State Emergency Operations Centre.
The department has directed all district administrations to complete the prescribed arrangements before the festival begins and maintain coordination among the agencies involved in crowd management, security, medical assistance and disaster response.
