New Delhi, September 27
In a tragic incident report from Bihar, 46 people, including 37 children, drowned while taking a holy dip in rivers and ponds in several districts during the 'Jivitputrika' festival.
The incidents occurred in 15 districts of the state during the festival held on September 26.
The incidents of drowning were reported from East and West Champaran, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Buxar, Siwan, Rohtas, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gopalganj and Arwal districts, the officials said.
The district administration told media that they had made adequate arrangements for all those who visit the dedicated ghats of rivers/ponds during the ‘Jivitputrika’ festival. However in large numbers people went to local ghats, which were not prepared by the administration.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakhs for the next of kin of the deceased.
During the three-day 'Jivitputrika' festival, women fast for the well-being of their children and take holy dips.
