CM vows aesthetic facilities at Munak Canal for Chhath
Munak Canal will next year see devotees performing Chhat puja and be able to offer arghya to the Sun God in a safe, clean and aesthetically developed environment, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said here on Thursday.
Announcing a major infrastructure initiative, Rekha Gupta also said the government will construct an elevated road over the Munak Canal at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore, extending from Inderlok Metro Station to UER-2. Once completed, commuters travelling towards Rohini and Outer Delhi will be able to avoid congested internal roads, ensuring smoother and faster travel.
She made these assertions after laying the foundation stone for the rejuvenation of the Munak Canal and the construction of grand Chhath ghats.
Describing the initiative as a significant gift for lakhs of devotees from Purvanchal, the Chief Minister said the entire area would be comprehensively revitalised by the next Chhath Puja.
Launching the development works in Shalimar Bagh, the Chief Minister said that the Munak Canal, which has remained in a dilapidated state for years, will be cleaned thoroughly, beautified and equipped with dedicated ghats for Chhath Puja.
The canal, long viewed as a symbol of dirt and disorder, will now become a focal point of faith and culture.
This project will be a significant boon for residents of Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Keshavpuram, Netaji Subhash Place, Punjabi Bagh and Kohat Enclave. Once completed, more than 30,000 people are expected to visit the area daily for walks and recreational activities.
She added that a new road will be constructed alongside the canal for public convenience and the Singalpur Bridge will be widened.
These changes will transform a long-neglected area into an attractive public space, providing residents with improved and modern civic amenities. This will not only enhance the vibrancy of the locality but also substantially ease traffic congestion. As regards the beautification of the canal, the chief minister said that under this project, the canal will be comprehensively cleaned, with accumulated sludge and waste removed and arrangements made to ensure the flow of clean water. Modern Chhath ghats with concrete steps will be constructed on both sides of the canal. In addition, trees, plants and landscaped parks will be developed along the banks, transforming the area into a well-equipped space for worship and community activities.
New service roads will be developed on both sides of the canal, featuring paved carriageways, interlocking tiles and solar lighting. Safe footpaths for pedestrians and wheel guards for vehicles will also be provided. These measures will significantly enhance lighting, safety and overall ease of movement in the area.
A new double-lane bridge will be constructed near the Singalpur Bridge using modern steel and concrete technology. The widening of this crossing will resolve the long-standing issue of traffic congestion between Pitampura and Shalimar Bagh and facilitate smoother access to the Outer Ring Road. A boundary wall along the Munak Canal will come up from the Outer Ring Road to Inderlok Metro Station. It will be a precast RCC boundary wall, she said, adding that comprehensive beautification works will be undertaken along the canal.
