Patna, Oct. 27: This Chhath, tread cautious path at ghats while offering arghya (obeisance) to the Sun God. The district administration today earmarked 23 of them, including the Collectorate Ghat, as dangerous.

Announcing the names of the risky ghats, Patna district magistrate Sanjay Kumar Singh urged Chhath devotees to use only safe ghats during the biggest festival of Bihar. “The 23 ghats identified as ‘dangerous’ have too much slush, which can act like quick sand. The other problems are the sudden rise in water level of the Ganga and the quality of water. After inspecting the ghats with Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials we have come to the conclusion that 23 ghats are not safe for the devotees,” Singh said.

Besides the Collectorate Ghat, the list of the dangerous ghats in Patna Sadar sub-division includes Bankipore Ghat, Anta Ghat, BN College Ghat and Jahaj Ghat.

Eight ghats have been declared dangerous under Patna City sub-division. They are Heernand Shah Ghat, Jhauganj Ghat, Chimni Ghat, Kila Ghat, Kachhi Ghat, Adrakh Ghat, Piramdariya Ghat and Naya Panchmukhi Chauraha Ghat.

Similarly, 10 ghats have been declared dangerous under Danapur sub-division. They are Daldali Ghat, Chaudrana Ghat, Banpar Toli Ghat, Narial Ghat, Chaitola Ghat, Naasriganj Ghat, BS College Ghat, Jhunjhunwala Ghat, Badi Machuatoli Ghat and Choti Machuatoli Ghat.

Singh said: “The devotees will not be allowed to visit the dangerous ghats during the Chhath festival. They would be barricaded and warning boards would be installed near them.”

The district magistrate said: “I can understand that there would be huge rush at the safe ghats like Mahendru Ghat, Krishna Ghat, Gandhi Ghat and Gai Ghat. But we cannot take any chance.”

The embargo on offering obeisance to the Sun God from the Collectorate Ghat has come as a shock to several residents because it is easily accessible and has more parking space than the other ghats in the city.

Mrinal Singh, a Chhath devotee, said: “I have been visiting the Collectorate Ghat during the Chhath for the past 10 years. I really do not understand why the district administration and PMC officials are so lazy. This ghat used to be the safest of all. Suddenly, the administration has announced it is dangerous. I really do not understand the logic behind it. They should have made efforts to turn it safe in advance.”

Expressing his inability to exactly define the parameters under which the Collectorate Ghat and the others were declared unsafe, PMC additional commissioner Chandrama Singh said: “The irrigation department engineers have set some standards.”

The district magistrate said: “It is not possible to fill up the slush with any kind of soil unless it dries up. The areas near the Collectorate Ghat and some others have become very slushy. It is not possible now to get them ready for the Chhath festival.”

Singh said adequate safety arrangements would be made at the “safe” ghats. “Trained divers with boats having safety equipment would be ready for rescue mission in case of any exigency. An ambulance with doctor will also be stationed at some of the significant ghats.”

The DM said: “Temporary bridges are being built at several ghats to ensure devotees can reach the river water for offering prayers safely. The cleaning of ponds to be used during Chhath is also going on.” Singh said private companies have adopted 19 ghats. They would provide various facilities like tents and lights at the ghats.