Delhi Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot on Friday visited Hathi Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna near ITO to take stock of the preparations ahead of Chhath Puja. Chhath Puja, which involves the offering of 'arghya' to the Sun god by fasting women in knee-deep water, will be celebrated on October 30 and 31. The festival is hugely popular among Purvanchalis -- people belonging to Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh -- living in Delhi. Issuing directions to expedite remaining works, Gahlot checked the sanitation, lighting, water supply arrangements and the digging of temporary ponds..
"I took stock of the preparations for Chhath Puja and all the arrangements are in place. All the government agencies and departments -- be it irrigation and flood control, Delhi Jal Board, PWD (Public Works Department) -- all are working in coordination to ensure best arrangements," Gahlot told reporters after the visit.
The District Magistrates 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 celebration. In Delhi, the Revenue Department is the nodal department for the celebration of Chhath Puja in a safe, secure and eco-friendly manner with full festivity.
The Revenue Department will make the necessary arrangements for tentage and electrical items such as tents, chairs, tables lighting, sound system, CCTV, LED screens, power backup and so on at all the 1100 Puja sites. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday also gave his assent to holding Chhath Puja at designated ghats on the Yamuna.