In wake of the recent Dushhera stampede which claimed 33 lives, Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today reviewed statewide preparations for Diwali, Chhath and Muharram.
Manjhi who reviewed the preparation through videoconferencing emphasised on the need for caution against rumour mongering, according to an official statement.
He instructed the officials to install CCTV cameras at crowded spots and ensure there were no hanging electricity wires.
Probe into the stampede at Gandhi Maidan on October 3 pointed towards the role of rumour of an electric wire hanging which caused panic among people and the poor lightning triggered the major tragedy.
"Do not allow rumour mongers to succeed at any cost. Enquire on every small piece of information to ensure fulproof law and order situation during series of festivals like Diwali, Chhath and Muharram," Manjhi instructed the officials.
With Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Home Amir Subhani and state police chief P K Thakur in attendance with others, the chief minister ordered officials to suspend movement of boats in rivers during Chhath and ban crackers on the banks of rivers.
He asked the electricity department to ensure that there was no hanging live wire and arrange for generators and divers on banks during Chhath.
Manjhi also ordered hospitals to keep doctors on alert to meet any accidental situation.
Manjhi asked district magistrates and superintendents of police of districts to keep fire tenders ready and other necessities during festive occasions, the release added.
To prevent communal tension, he said no march by 'akharas' or 'juloos' (public march) and immersion of idols be allowed without prior license.
He also ordered to crackdown on anti-socials and sale and consumption of illegal liquor.
