New Delhi, 24 October (H.S.): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inspected ongoing development, beautification and Chhath ghat construction works in the Munak Canal area near Prembari Bridge in Singalpur, reviewing preparations for the upcoming Chhath festival.

During the inspection, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of various projects and directed officials of the concerned departments to ensure that all works were completed within the stipulated deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality.

CM Gupta said the Munak Canal area, which was once associated with unhygienic conditions and poor management, was being transformed into a clean, attractive and well-organised space. She said the Delhi government aimed to complete the construction of the ghats and all associated development works before Chhath, enabling devotees to perform their religious rituals in a clean and conducive environment.

She instructed officials to monitor the construction work regularly and address any shortcomings immediately.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the development of green spaces and ongoing plantation activities. She emphasised that plantation should be undertaken according to a well-conceived plan rather than in an ad hoc manner. Directing officials to consider the available space and the overall appearance of the area, she called for systematic landscaping, appropriate placement of plants, aesthetically designed green belts and an improved visual environment.

CM Gupta asked the concerned departments to prepare an effective landscaping plan and implement the work accordingly to create an orderly and attractive green space along the Munak Canal.

Reviewing the construction of the Chhath ghats and the facilities being developed around them, she directed officials to complete the finishing work on ghat walls, adjoining pathways and other related structures within the prescribed timeframe. She also instructed them to ensure that walls were painted, the surroundings were cleaned, surplus construction materials and debris were removed, and lighting was installed wherever necessary.

Particular emphasis was placed on installing decorative lights and festive illuminations around the ghats to enhance the appearance of the area during the celebrations. The Chief Minister also directed officials to inspect access roads, steps, drainage systems and other essential facilities to ensure that devotees could reach the worship sites safely and conveniently.

She made it clear that negligence at any level would not be tolerated and that all arrangements must be completed well before the festival.

The Chief Minister also issued strict directions regarding waste management and sanitation in the area. She said garbage accumulation on roads and footpaths, foul odours and disorderly waste collection must not be allowed under any circumstances. Officials were instructed to establish an efficient system for waste collection and disposal that would maintain cleanliness and prevent inconvenience to nearby residents.

CM Gupta stressed that sanitation must receive continuous attention alongside the ongoing development projects, rather than being treated as a secondary priority.

Describing Chhath as an integral part of Delhi’s cultural identity and the religious faith of its people, the Chief Minister noted that large numbers of devotees worship the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya during the festival. She said the government had a responsibility to provide adequate facilities for worshippers and ensure that religious sites remained clean, organised and accessible.

She directed officials to prioritise all essential works and ensure that preparations for Chhath were completed before the festival, leaving no room for deficiencies in the arrangements.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar