Patna: Authorities have stepped up preparations for Chaiti Chhath, making special arrangements at various places, including Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna zoo), for those unable to reach the Ganga ghats.Officials said Patna Zoo’s lake is being cleaned and prepared for devotees, with temporary ghats being constructed. The lake water is being treated with lime and alum, and Ganga water will be added post-cleaning. Bathrooms and changing rooms are also being cleaned, and barricading is being done by the Patna Municipal Corporation. Areas with strong water currents will be marked with red cloth.According to an official of the zoo, “Lime and alum are being mixed to clean the lake water. After the cleaning, Ganga jal will be poured into the lake. Bathrooms are being cleaned. Changing rooms, barricading, etc will be set up by the civic body. On the side where the water flow is higher posing danger for the devotees, a red cloth barrier will be put up.”For Chhath devotees, free entry to the zoo has been arranged after 2pm on March 24 (Tuesday). On March 25 (Wednesday), the zoo will be open after 3am.“During Chhath at Patna zoo, the main focus will be on the safety of the animals. Special care will be taken to ensure that the animals are not disturbed in any way. Care will also be taken to ensure that visitors do not wander around the cages. For this, green nets will be tied in front of the cages. Additionally, bringing plastic inside the zoo premises will remain prohibited,” the official added.
