Patna: With Durga Puja approaching, four temporary ponds will be constructed at different locations in the city to facilitate idol immersion. The designated ponds will also provide controlled spaces for immersion and help civic teams manage the movement of devotees during the festival rush.Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started the tendering process for building three of the temporary ponds at Kangan Ghat, Kila Ghat and Damrahi Ghat in Patna City, while another, around six feet deep, will be developed at Minar Ghat in Patliputra division. The ponds will provide designated spaces for immersion, particularly as water levels in Ganga continue to fluctuate.Patna municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena said, “Ensuring safe and well-organised idol immersion during Durga Puja is a priority for PMC. Natural ponds are being renovated wherever feasible, while temporary immersion ponds are being developed at other locations. Adequate barricading, lighting and other essential safety measures will be put in place at the ponds.”PMC is also renovating an existing natural pond at Patipul Ghat for immersion. The water will be replaced and the pond secured with sandbag barricading. At Law College Ghat, a 150-foot-by-50-foot immersion area will be created along the riverfront and secured with sandbags and wire mesh.The three temporary ponds in Patna City will be around four to five feet deep. Barricading will also be done at Bhadra Ghat and Gaighat, where designated areas measuring around 250 feet by 30 feet and 100 feet by 30 feet respectively will be secured on three sides.PMC is monitoring water levels at designated ghats amid fluctuations in Ganga. Lighting and barricading are planned at the immersion sites to ensure safer movement and controlled immersion. The estimated cost of constructing each temporary pond or making arrangements at designated sites is around Rs 3-5 lakh. Officials said the construction process takes up to five days and the ponds will be ready well ahead of Durga Puja.
