Residents have hit upon a novel initiative to ensure that the ban on Chhath rituals on the Budhi Gandak banks do not impede the celebration of the biggest festival in the state.

The people have decided to dig makeshift ponds in their respective localities.

The municipal corporation, too, has launched a cleanliness drive at all 28 ponds. Civic personnel have started digging eight artificial ponds in different areas to cater to the needs of devotees. District magistrate (DM) Anupam Kumar said the water level of the Budhi Gandak has started receding fast but banks have turned marshy.

“It is not judicious to go near the river banks. The devotees are generally accompanied by children and other family members,” said the DM.

Municipal commissioner Himanshu Sharma said: “We have requested people to celebrate the festival outside their houses by digging ponds. The corporation has also selected spots and started digging artificial ponds in Jagannath Mishra College, Chandwara, Duwarika Nath High School, Gola Road, Marwari High School and Lakri Dhahi.”

“Three small-sized ponds have already been dug up,” said Maheshwar Prasad Singh, a retired Sanskrit teacher, whose ward has volunteered to dig the pond.

The DM has also ordered civic workers to sprinkle lime and bleaching powder in the ponds. Policemen have been deputed to regulate the crowd.

The managing director of Essel Vidyut Vitaran Limited has been requested to facilitate proper lighting arrangements throughout the night of October 29 outside the ponds.