Delhi Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot on Thursday reviewed the preparedness of ghats for Chhath Puja in the national Capital. At the meeting, the Minister directed officials to share the list of all new sites that are being added for Chhath Puja with local MLAs. He also instructed all the District Magistrates (DMs) to share geo-locations of sites to ensure transparency in all the preparation being done for the occasion.
The Delhi Government has grown the number of Chhath Puja sites from 69 in 2014 to a whopping 1,100 places and increased the budget 10 times from Rs 2.5 crore in 2014 to approximately Rs 25 crore this year to facilitate lakhs of devotees to offer prayers on Chhath.
During the meeting, Kailash Gahlot directed the department to ensure that devotees don’t face any inconvenience. He also directed the officers concerned to ensure smooth management and organisation at all the 1,100 sites designated for the puja.
“To ensure transparency, all DMs were instructed to share the list of new sites that are being added with local MLAs. All DMs were further instructed to share geo-locations of all sites compulsorily,” he said.
“The Divisional Commissioner directed all DMs to share the list of the top five sites which are expected to have the most gathering. The DMs were advised to manage logistics in a manner that the Yamuna River bank is barricaded and artificial ponds are created in a proper way, ensuring pollution-free celebrations,” Gahlot said.
Gahlot also took it to Twitter and wrote, "Today I had a meeting with the Divisional Commissioner and District Magistrates and took stock of all the preparations related to Chhath Puja. I have instructed them to make necessary arrangements at all the ghats including at the Yamuna, so that the devotees do not face any problems. Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, we are committed to organise an unprecedented Chhath Puja all over Delhi."
“Furthermore, the Revenue Department will ensure the provision for the other required facilities in coordination with other departments of the Delhi Government such as the Irrigation & Flood Control Department and Delhi Jal Board for clean water arrangements, Health Department for primary health services and deployment of ambulance, DUSIB for Mobile Toilet Vans and with agencies such as Delhi Police and CDV for safety and security, Traffic Police for traffic management and MCD/NDMC for sanitation and cleanliness,” the Delhi Government said in a press statement.