Private boats banned on Ganga during two fests

Patna: The district administration banned operation of private boats in the Ganga river during Makar Sankranti and Saraswati Puja.Sub-divisional magistrate of Patna Sadar, Kritika Mishra, issued an order in this regard on Tuesday.The ban would be effective on Jan 14 and 15 during Makar Sankranti. In the second phase, the ban would be enforced on Jan 23 and 25 during Saraswati Puja’s idol immersions.Citing safety concerns, the administration invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to regulate river traffic. While private and recreational boating is strictly prohibited without prior official permission, exceptions are made for boats engaged in essential daily commuting and specific govt projects.Police and river patrols have been asked to ensure strict compliance of the ban.