To ensure hassle free Chhath Puja celebrations for the numerous devotees, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) is putting in all efforts to clean the various ghats across the Capital city. Mayor Asha Lakra, Deputy Mayor Sanjeev Vijaywargiya, Municipal Commissioner Manoj Kumar and other officials of the civic body took stock of the on- going preparation work at major water bodies in Ranchi on Wednesday.

Focusing mainly on cleanliness and marking the danger zones, the inspection started at Kanke Dam where the Mayor expressed her satisfaction with the progress of the work done just three- days after Diwali and Kali Puja concluded. “Due to lack of time just Kanke Dam was covered today but tomorrow we will try to cover as many Chhath ghats as possible. RMC is striving to give the Chhath devotees clean water bodies across the City. Workers and labourers have been deployed to carry on the cleaning work which is almost complete. The deadline given to complete all the work is October 31,” said Lakra.

Apart from cleaning the ponds and lakes, proper lighting is being ensured around the ghats and also on the roads leading to the water bodies. Danger zones are also being marked.“With the showers that occurred during Diwali, people will be able to perform the rituals well this time as all the water bodies have enough water. RMC is also making sure that people don’t write their names to reserve spots at the various ghats. RMC is doing everything possible to give the devotees all the necessary facilities,” added Lakra. The district administration will also deploy NDRF teams at major locations during the Chhath festival to avoid any untoward incidents while RMC has been asked to speed up the cleaning work said Deputy Commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray. However, Basanti Lakra councilor of ward number three said that though the cleaning work of Chhath ghats is taking place but still there is too much garbage strewn all over the City. “Due to the rains during Diwali, the cleaning work had to be stopped. If extra labour is given by RMC, the work will be finished soon. Lights also need to be fixed while roads which were dug up for sewerage work also need to be repaired.

The ghat work around Adalhatu Talab is not complete as Chhath ghat has only been made on one side,” said the ward councilor. Roshni Khalkho, councilor of ward number 19 said, “With a few days left for the festival special cleaning work is being carried out across all water bodies.

 At a lot of places, idols are also worshipped during this festival which is also being taken into account. With rains during Diwali door to door garbage collection got hampered but extra labourers have been appointed to carry on the work before the festival.”

Various major ghats including Bada Talab, Dhurwa Dam, Kanke Dam, Karamtoli Talab will have drinking water arrangements.

RMC will also install modular toilets and changing room facilities will also be made for the devotees.