Administration Takes Robust Step for Safe Holy Dip; Barricading and Safety Nets Installed in the Ganges at Sultanganj
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: With the commencement of the world-famous Shravani Mela at the sacred northward-flowing bank of the Ganges in Sultanganj, Silk City Bhagalpur, the administration has taken a highly commendable and protective step by prioritizing the safety of pilgrims. To prevent potential untoward incidents during bathing amidst the massive crowds of devotees flocking to the mela zone, stringent security arrangements have been implemented by the district administration and municipal council along the ghats of the Ganges. As part of this initiative, robust barricading alongside special safety nets has been installed along the primary bathing ghats, ensuring that no devotee drifts into deep waters or hazardous currents.
Special Arrangements Implemented for Safety at Ganges Ghats
During the Shravani Mela, Shiva devotees arriving from across the country and abroad commence their Kanwar pilgrimage only after taking a holy bath at Ajgabinath Dham and Namami Gange Ghat. Observing the heavy congestion and fluctuating water levels at the ghats, the administration is leaving no room for risk.
Arrangement of Barricades and Nets: To reinforce the perimeter of safety, barricades have been erected inside the Ganges up to an appropriate distance using sturdy bamboo poles and iron pipes. Special types of strong safety nets are bound alongside these barricades, serving as a distinct boundary line.
Prevention from Deep Water Zones: The primary objective of these nets and barricades is to ensure that while bathing, no devotee inadvertently crosses beyond the designated limit where water currents are swift or depth is high. This measure has proven exceptionally effective in preventing drowning incidents underwater.
Deployment of Divers and NDRF/SDRF
In addition to barricades and safety nets, the district administration has fully mobilized water police and disaster management forces to handle emergency scenarios:
Readiness of SDRF and Divers: Teams of the SDRF equipped with motorboats and trained local divers are patrolling continuously from Namami Gange Ghat to Ajgabinath Dham. If any devotee mistakenly breaches rules and moves further, warnings are issued immediately via loudspeakers.
Surveillance via Watchtowers and CCTV: Elevated watchtowers manned by police personnel have been established to maintain a sharp eye on security arrangements across the ghats. Furthermore, the entire ghat complex is kept under CCTV surveillance to monitor every movement.
Guidelines Issued for Devotees
Instructions are continuously being broadcasted for kanwarias and bathers via loudspeakers and information boards by the administration:
Bathe Only Within Prescribed Limits: The administration has appealed to all Shiva devotees to perform their holy bath strictly within the boundaries of the barricades and safety nets. Venturing into deep water to take selfies or perform stunts is strictly prohibited.
Special Care for Children and Elderly: Visitors have been advised to pay special attention to young children and elderly members accompanying them during the bath, as crowding poses risks of children getting separated or slips near the water.
The arrangement of installing barricades and safety nets for safe bathing at the Ganges ghats in Sultanganj serves as proof that the district administration is completely earnest and vigilant regarding public safety during this year's Shravani Mela. Owing to administrative proactivity and these robust security measures, devotees are able to take their holy dips without any fear or apprehension, rendering their sacred Kanwar Yatra much safer and more auspicious.
