Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Sunday directed officials to prioritise the convenience and safety of devotees while developing Chhath ghats along the Ganga and ordered the creation of a 6.5-km water channel on the river’s southern bank from Kurji to Kali Ghat to ensure adequate availability of Ganga water during the festival.Choudhary issued the directions while chairing a review meeting at the Sankalp Auditorium of Lok Sevak Awas on the proposed development of integrated gardens, parking areas, cafeterias and other amenities along the JP Ganga Path.He asked departments to provide adequate parking facilities at intervals of 1.5km to 2km along the corridor to ensure smooth traffic movement. He also directed officials to prepare an action plan for constructing foot overbridges wherever required along the Ganga Path.Reviewing the progress of ongoing works, the chief minister instructed officials to expedite development projects on the JP Ganga Path and complete them within the stipulated timeframe. Referring to the proposed Koilwar Expressway, he said the project plan should ensure that people do not face inconvenience even if the Ganga’s water level rises.The chief minister also said Golghar, one of Patna’s most recognisable landmarks, should be made more attractive and visitor-friendly. He directed officials to set up a cafeteria on the premises and undertake proper renovation of the water tower near Patna High Court.Choudhary further asked officials to seek public suggestions to make the JP Ganga Path Samagra Udyan project more attractive, accessible and useful. He also directed the preparation of a phased integrated master plan for the development of the Ganga riverfront from Buxar to Bhagalpur to ensure planned growth and optimum utilisation of land.
