To ensure devotees perform rituals of ‘Chhath Puja’ in a hassle free way at water reservoirs, Minister, Department of Urban Development, Housing and Planning CP Singh, Mayor Asha Lakra, Municipal Commissioner Manoj Kumar and other senior officials took stock of preparation at all major water bodies here on Sunday. Focusing mainly on cleanliness and barricading of danger zone inside water bodies, the inspection started from Bada Talab or Ranchi Lake.
Covering over six to seven ponds which include Jail Talab, Bada Talab, Chadri Talab, Madhukam Talab etc, the Minister expressed his satisfaction over the work progress undertaken at the respective water bodies just after the conclusion of Durga Puja.
“I have instructed the officials and the members of puja samitis who are lending their support to the Municipal Corporation in cleaning the ponds to ensure the completion of work at every pond by November 12 evening. Suggestion of sprinkling bleaching powder, putting barricades, clearing staircases has been given to the officials and the designated supervisors at each pond,” said Urban Development Minister, CP Singh.
Meanwhile, Mayor Asha Lakra stated that the work of cleanliness was undertaken 15 days ago and will continue. “Due to idol immersion ritual of Goddess Kali, a few water bodies will be cleaned up yet again. Also, the work of barricading has begun. The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) is on the toes to provide best facilities to the devotees,” said the Mayor.
For the first time, the Municipal Corporation has made arrangement from its level at a few more water bodies where earlier Chhath Puja was not conducted. During the inspection, the Minister instructed the officials including the civil contractors to ensure that in the wake of ponds restoration process, the size of the water bodies must not get squeezed.
After inspecting the status of Ranchi Lake undergoing restoration, Singh further said,
“The catchment area filled with mud for the Chhath puja must be removed immediately after the end of the auspicious occasion.
Besides, the facilities like arrangement of generators, installation of lights, demarcation of lanes, barricading of danger zone with bamboo sticks or red ribbons, drinking water must be ensured at each ghat (pond) enlisted with RMC by the authority.”