Darbhanga: Panic gripped Chhath devotees in Bihar’s Darbhanga after a crocodile was spotted in a river thronged by people to perform rituals of the festival, prompting the authorities to take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incident.
District Magistrate Rajeev Raushan said that after receiving information about the presence of a crocodile on Monday, assistance was sought from the forest department. The forest department’s team is now continuously attempting to capture the crocodile, but they have not succeeded so far.
Meanwhile, the district administration has decided to install iron nets along the riverbanks to ensure the safety of those observing the Chhath festival. The crocodile is reported to be around 12 to 13 feet long, causing significant fear among the devotees. A video of the crocodile swimming in the river has also gone viral on social media.
Security at ghats for Chhath Puja in Bihar
Divisional Forest Officer Bhaskar Chandra Bharti mentioned that his team has been searching for the crocodile for the past three days. Full security arrangements have been made at the riverbanks during Chhath Puja. Boat patrols will also continue in the river to ensure swift action in case of any danger.
He appealed to the public, stating that noise can drive the crocodile away, but caution is essential. While the administration’s vigilance has provided some relief, the presence of the crocodile still requires everyone to remain cautious.
Darbhanga all decked up for Chhath Puja
The historic Darbhanga House, the newly-built district collectorate complex, and the ‘Sabhyata Dwar’ are among several public buildings along the banks of the Ganges in Patna that have been illuminated in a blue hue ahead of the Chhath festival.
The night-time illumination of these landmarks, some of which overlook popular old ghats in the city like the Collectorate Ghat and Kali Ghat, has been carried out as part of the Patna district administration’s ‘Go Blue’ campaign.
