BIRGUNJ, Nov 6: The District Administration Office (DAO), Parsa, is preparing a special peace and security plan to address potential risks during the celebration of the Chhath festival.
Chief District Officer (CDO) Ganesh Aryal informed Republica that a security strategy has been developed following a meeting of the District Security Committee. He said that the plan will be implemented in coordination with local security agencies and city police to address challenges faced in previous years.
Chhath is celebrated with elaborate decorations and rituals at several locations within Birgunj Metropolis, including Ghadiarwa Pond, Ranighat, Chhapkaiya's Chhath Ghat, Maidhiya Pond, Nagwa Pond, Solakpur Chorni, and Parsawa's Chhat Ghat. Among these, Ghadiarwa Pond sees the highest number of visitors, making it a key area of focus for security arrangements.
Birgunj ponds being beautified for Chhath festival
Manohar Gupta, coordinator of the security sub-committee under the Ghadiarwa Pond Chhath Puja Management Committee, said that the primary security challenge will be at Ghadiarwa Pond, which is expected to attract over 150,000 visitors.
Chhath is celebrated from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi, the fourth day of the bright half of the lunar calendar in the Nepali month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November) and continues till the sixth day. This year, the festival started on November 5. Prabhakar Gupta, Joint Secretary of the Chhath Puja Management Committee, said that 20 CCTV cameras have been installed around Ghadiarwa Pond to ensure the safety of devotees. He said that extra caution will be required, particularly during the "Arghya" offerings to the setting sun on November 7 and to the rising sun on November 8, when the festival wraps up.
Emergency services and rescue teams deployed
To ensure safety, the event will also see the deployment of fire brigades, ambulances, medical personnel, and other emergency teams on the riverbanks where Chhath festival is observed. CDO Aryal, a representative of the District Administration, assured that like in previous years, all necessary preparations are being made to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the celebration of the Chhath Parba in Parsa district.
Radheshyam Dhimal, head of the Armed Police Force in Parsa, said that rescue teams will be stationed at Ghadiarwa Pond, while District Police Chief Kumodh Dhungel confirmed that comprehensive security arrangements have been made for the festival.
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