The Khajekalan Ghat declared dangerous on Monday. Picture by Sachin

The Patna district administration on Monday declared at least 59 ghats as dangerous for the devotees, urging them to use only safe ghats during Chhath.

Of 59 ghats, 15 have been identified in the Patna Sadar subdivision, 15 in Patna City subdivision, 12 in Danapur subdivision and 17 in Barh subdivision.

About the reason for declaring these ghats dangerous, district magistrate Abhay Kumar Singh told The Telegraph: “These ghats have marshy land and got too much of slush. We do not want to take any risk with the life of devotees. The other reason is rise in water level, as the ghats have got water above 5ft. After inspecting the ghats along with Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials, we have come to the conclusion that the ghats are risky and not safe for the devotees.”

In Patna Sadar subdivision, the dangerous ghats are — Jehaj Ghat, Ramjichak Tarkariya Bazaar Ghat, Ramji Digha Ghat, Shiva Ghat, Mina Ghat, Buddha Ghat, Sipahi Ghat, Adalat Ghat, Bankipore Club Ghat, Anta Ghat, BN College Ghat, Baghwa Ghat, Mishri Ghat, TN Banerjee Ghat and Vanshi Ghat.

For the safety of the devotees, the district administration has also issued several directives, including immediate ban on private boats in the Ganga, to cooperate with the police. The district administration has also requested not to burst crackers near the ghats nor on the approach road.

Singh also stressed upon not to believe and spread any rumour. “People and devotes are requested not to listen to any rumour. To get the correct information, they can call the district control room on 0612-2219810/2219234 or they can also call police control room on 0612-2201977/2201978.”

Ghats in the Patna City subdivision declared dangerous are — Khajekalan Ghat, Tedhi Ghat, Keshwav Rai Ghat, Mirchai Ghat, Heernand Shah Ghat, Jhauganj Ghat, Adrakh Ghat, Nurruddinghanj Ghat, Damrahi Ghat, Rikabganj Ghat, Naya Panchmukhi Chauraha Ghat, Pashim Didarganj Ghat, Purvi Didarganj Ghat, Mahavir Ghat and Naya Mandir Ghat.

One of the factors declaring the ghats dangerous was the quality of water, Singh said. “Water was very dirty and it’s not possible for the devotees to offer arghya (obeisance). The devotees will not be allowed to visit these ghats for Chhath and a proper barricading along with sign board will be put in place apart from deputing police officers who will restrict the people.”

Similarly, 12 dangerous ghats in Danapur subdivision are — Ramjichak Nahar Ghat, Fatuha Enclave Ghat, Supply Dippo Ghat, Dhobi Ghat, Jhunjhunwala Ghat, Mahavir Tola Ghat, Dudhaila Ghat, Neelkanth Tola Ghat, Ramjichak Jehaj Ghat, Bhatti Ghat, Imlital Ghat, and Gola Ghat.

The 17 unsafe ghats in Barh sub-division are — Khan Saheb Ghat, Dhobia Ghat, Gauri Shankar Ghat, Sangat Ghat, Umanath Ghat (eastern end), Tapasvi Ghat, Bijli Office Ghat, Block Ghat, Pipaltal Ghat, Pathak Ghat, Panchayan Tola Ghat, Mahadev Sthan Ghat, Maliya Ghat, Surya Mandir Ghat, Kamleshwar Ghat, Sidhi Ghat and Sabnima Ghat.

Altogether, the district administration was preparing on 81 ghats under the jurisdiction of the PMC area of which 30 declared dangerous. Rest of them are in Danapur and Barh subdivisions.

DM Singh on Monday also stopped the salary of 25 magistrates till further order after they were found absent from duty and have been served showcause notice. These magistrates were directed to present on the deputed place during Nahay Khay. However, during the inspection they were found absent.

“I have also issued warning to all the deputed magistrates to take the law and order duty seriously or else will face stern action,” said Singh.