ENSURE SAFETY, CLEANLINESS AND HARMONY ALONGSIDE FESTIVE CHEER

ENSURE SAFETY, CLEANLINESS AND HARMONY ALONGSIDE FESTIVE CHEER

7-NOV-ENG 11

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------Every citizen in Bihar today demands that the vibrancy of the festive season be accompanied by guaranteed safety, cleanliness, and harmony. Festivals like Diwali, Kali Puja, and Chhath Mahaparv are symbols of Bihar’s cultural consciousness, faith, and social unity. The high-level review meeting convened by Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary—and the directives he issued to officials—are undoubtedly significant. However, the true test of any government lies not in the decisions made during meetings, but in their effective implementation on the ground.

In Bihar, the festive season is not merely an occasion for celebration; it is also a test of administrative competence and social responsibility. The radiance of Diwali, the devotion of Kali Puja, and the sanctity of Chhath Mahaparv will only be truly meaningful if ordinary citizens can celebrate them in an environment free from fear. The directives issued by Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary—regarding law and order, security, cleanliness, and facilities for devotees—are timely and essential.

When millions of Biharis—who reside in other states or abroad—return home for the festivals, they do not just seek to reunite with their loved ones; they also hope to see better governance, a secure environment, and positive change within their home state. In this context, the directives to ensure round-the-clock police patrolling at railway stations, bus stands, and public spaces—along with the deployment of adequate police personnel and the activation of quick response teams—are crucial. Yet, these arrangements must not remain confined to paperwork and official orders. The police presence should be such that it instills a fear of the law in criminals and a sense of security among the general public.

Chhath Mahaparv is the hallmark of Bihar. It is a festival where the barriers of caste, class, and economic status fade away, and the collective voice of faith resonates above all else. Given this, the administration must prioritize the cleaning of Chhath ghats, the provision of lighting, drinking water, and medical facilities, as well as the implementation of effective barricading and traffic management. Ensuring the presence of local swimmers at riverbanks (ghats) in rural areas is a practical and essential measure. Any negligence regarding electrical safety can prove fatal; therefore, it is imperative to proactively eliminate hazards such as exposed wires and unsafe electrical connections.

The Chief Minister has also directed the promotion of an appeal urging those who are financially capable and affluent to voluntarily forgo the 125-unit electricity subsidy. This is a matter rooted in a sense of social responsibility. However, alongside such an appeal, it must be ensured that families in genuine need continue to receive the benefits of government schemes without any hindrance.

The primary challenge currently facing the Bihar government is to ensure that the preparations made for the festive season serve as a foundation for lasting administrative reform. Accountability among officials must be established, District Magistrates should personally oversee the arrangements, and suggestions from public representatives must be taken seriously. It is far better to prevent an accident from occurring in the first place than to conduct investigations and announce compensation after a tragedy has already taken place.

Ultimately, the success of a festival is not measured merely by lights, decorations, or the size of the crowds. Its true benchmark lies in ensuring that no devotee feels unsafe at a riverbank, no traveler faces hardship at a railway station, no family’s joy is sacrificed due to administrative negligence, and that a spirit of mutual brotherhood prevails in society. The directives issued by Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary will only be meaningful if the administration moves beyond the mere formality of issuing orders and delivers tangible results on the ground. Bihar requires a system where safety during festivals is not treated as a favor, but as the fundamental right of every citizen.